Elephanta Island Excavation

The Archaeological Survey of India discovers a 1500-year-old stepped reservoir on Elephanta Island near Mumbai. The finding highlights ancient water management and maritime activity on the island.

Elephanta Island Discovery

Dimension	Key Details
Location	Is located in Mumbai Harbour in Maharashtra and is also known as Gharapuri.
UNESCO Site	Comprises Elephanta Caves dating to the 5th century dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Historic Ports	Comprises Morabandar, Rajbandar, and Shethbandar as key maritime localities.
Trade Significance	Provides for linkages with Rome and Mesopotamia as early as the 2nd century CE.
Stepped Reservoir	Provides for a T-shaped structure measuring 14.7 m in length and 6.7 m and 10.8 m in width.
Age	Provides for estimated age of about 1500 years.
Construction	Provides for use of stone blocks transported from the mainland.
Excavation Details	Provides for depth of 5 m exposing 20 steps.
Purpose	Provides for water storage in rocky terrain with low soil absorption.
Artifacts	Comprises brick structure, storage pot, terracotta figurines, glass and stone bangles, beads of carnelian and quartz, stone anchors, amphorae sherds, and torpedo jars.
Trade Evidence	Provides for Roman-style amphorae and West Asian torpedo jars used for wine, oil, and fish sauce.
Coins	Comprises silver, lead, and copper coins of Krishnaraja of the Kalachuri Dynasty.
Coin Features	Provides for seated bull motif on obverse and temple symbol with legend Sri Krishnaraja on reverse.
Historical Inference	Provides for confirmation of Kalachuri presence in western India during the 6th century CE.