Harappan Fisheries at Lothal in Gujarat: Subsistence Strategies and Adaptation to Wetland Environment

Abhayan Girija Sasidharan1*, Shubha Majumder2, Rajesh Sasidharan Vasantha1, and Pankaj Goyal3

Lothal, a prominent Harappan settlement in Gujarat, excavated in the 1950s, has been central to debates on Harappan maritime activity due to the identification of a large brick structure interpreted as a dockyard and the discovery of a Persian Gulf seal. The recent excavations by ASI Vadodara Circle during 2025 and 2026 have generated significant archaeological data, including substantial faunal assemblages. This paper presents an ichthyoarchaeological analysis of fish remains recovered from the recent excavations. The assemblage comprises 11 species representing 7 families, with evidence of anthropogenic modification, including cut marks and burning, indicating processing and consumption of fish. The taxonomic spectrum includes marine taxa such as marine catfish, sharks, and barramundi, alongside freshwater species, particularly snakeheads (Channidae). Freshwater taxa suggest the exploitation of wetland or riverine habitats in the hinterlands of the Bhal region, while marine species point to active engagement with coastal and estuarine ecosystems. This ecological diversity supports interpretations of Lothal as a settlement strategically positioned within a dynamic estuarine landscape, facilitating access to both inland and maritime resources. Comparative analysis with ichthyoarchaeological data from Harappan sites in the Gulf of Kachchh region, the North Gujarat region, and the Karachi region in Pakistan reveals both regional continuities and localised adaptations in fish exploitation. The findings underscore the role of aquatic resources not merely in subsistence but also in adaptation to the environment and in economic connectivity within the Harappan sphere.