Ancient Port Cities of India- Complete List for UPSC Exam

Lothal – This was a significant port city of the Indus Valley Civilization, located in the present-day Bhal region of Gujarat.

Bharuch (Ancient: Barygaza) – An ancient city in Gujarat, known for its trade with ancient Rome, Greece, and Egypt.

Surat (Ancient: Suryapur) – Situated on the western coast in Gujarat, it was an important port city for trade.

Muziris (Pattanam) – An ancient port city in Kerala, it was a key center in the spice trade routes.

Korkai – An ancient port city, now a small town in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu. It was famous for pearl fishing.

Poompuhar (Ancient: Kaveripoompattinam) – Located at the mouth of the Kaveri River in Tamil Nadu, it was the capital of early Chola kings.

Arikamedu – Near Pondicherry, it was a coastal fishing village known for trade with Romans.

Mahabalipuram (Ancient: Mamallapuram) – In Tamil Nadu, this port city is known for its rock-cut Dravidian architecture.

Thane (Ancient: Sopara) – Near modern-day Mumbai, it was an ancient port city and an international trade hub.

Broach (Ancient: Bhrigukachchha) – Located in Gujarat, it was an ancient port city of considerable significance.

Cranganore (Ancient: Muziris) – In Kerala, it is associated with ancient trade relations with Phoenicians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans.

Dwarka – An ancient city in Gujarat, considered to be one of the first major port cities in the region.

Tamralipta or Tamluk – Located in West Bengal, it was an important trade port in ancient times, especially for maritime trade with Southeast Asia.

Visakhapatnam (Ancient: Vizagapatam) – In Andhra Pradesh, it was known for its maritime activities.

Machilipatnam (Ancient: Masulipatnam) – In Andhra Pradesh, this was an important port for sea trade.