The correct Answer is Lothal : Dockyard
Explanation
This question assesses knowledge of significant archaeological findings associated with major Harappan (Indus Valley Civilization) sites. Understanding the unique characteristics and discoveries at each site is crucial for identifying correctly matched pairs.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Kalibangan : Water reservoirs
Incorrect. Kalibangan is primarily known for evidence of ploughed fields, fire altars, and a fortified citadel and lower town. While water management was present in Harappan cities, extensive water reservoirs are a prominent feature of Dholavira, not Kalibangan.
- Dholavira : Ploughed field
Incorrect. Dholavira is renowned for its elaborate water management system, including large reservoirs, and its unique tripartite division of the city. Evidence of ploughed fields, dating to the Early Harappan period, is a distinctive feature of Kalibangan.
- Lothal : Dockyard
Correct. Lothal, located in Gujarat, is a significant Harappan site known for its artificial dockyard, which served as a port for maritime trade. This dockyard is one of the most distinctive architectural features of the site.
- Shortughai : Canals
Incorrect. Shortughai, an Indus Valley Civilization site in Afghanistan, provides evidence of irrigation canals. However, the question asks for a correctly matched pair, and while Shortughai did have canals, the most prominent and unique feature of Lothal is its dockyard, making option C the most accurately and uniquely matched pair among the choices.
Key Takeaway
Lothal is distinguished by its artificial dockyard, indicating its role as a port city in the Indus Valley Civilization.