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4,500-Year-Old 'Harappan Marine-Meteorology Hub' and Stone Wind-Direction Vanes Uncovered in Coastal Gujarat

📅 April 10, 2026 📰 The Hindu
4,500-Year-Old 'Harappan Marine-Meteorology Hub' and Stone Wind-Direction Vanes Uncovered in Coastal Gujarat

Recent excavations at a newly identified Mature Harappan site near the Gulf of Khambhat have revealed a sophisticated Marine-Meteorology Hub designed to assist Indus Valley sailors navigating the Arabian Sea. The structure, a circular stone platform with a series of vertical slots, was found alongside four tapered stone vanes that archaeologists believe served as wind-direction indicators. This discovery suggests that the Indus Valley Civilization possessed advanced knowledge of monsoon patterns and utilized standardized instruments for maritime forecasting.

The facility is located adjacent to a massive stone-paved wharf, where researchers also recovered several etched carnelian beads and copper docking-hooks. According to lead archaeologist Dr. Rajesh Singh, the presence of a dedicated meteorological office indicates that the Harappans operated a centralized navigation authority to regulate trade voyages between the Indus Valley and Mesopotamia. This find redefines our understanding of Harappan maritime logistics and their technical mastery of environmental monitoring.

Original source: The Hindu