The discovery of Lothal began in 1954 when Archaeology Survey of India archaeologist S.R. Rao, following up on reports of ancient mounds in the Bhal region of Gujarat, initiated excavations that would gradually reveal one of the most important and well-preserved Harappan sites ever found. The systematic excavation of this modest tell, rising only 13 meters above the surrounding plain, would ultimately uncover evidence for sophisticated urban planning, advanced engineering techniques, and maritime technologies that challenged existing assumptions about the capabilities and reach of Bronze Age civilizations in the Indian subcontinent.