Key historical revelations from the site include:
- Advanced Water Management: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) unearthed a complex, 1,500-year-old stepped reservoir built with precisely cut stone blocks that were transported from the mainland.
- Global Trade Connections: Excavations yielded around 3,000 pottery fragments, including Mediterranean amphorae and torpedo jars from West Asia and Mesopotamia, which were used to store wine, oil, and fish sauce.
- Rare Coins and Dynastic Ties: About 60 copper, lead, and silver coins were found. Some copper coins belong to King Krishnaraja of the Kalachuri dynasty (6th century CE), while others date back to the Traikutaka dynasty, Satavahanas, and even Sasanian rulers of ancient Iran.
- Copper Plates: Two ancient copper plates (tamrapatra) were recovered, one detailing donations by the Traikutaka king, Maharaja Indrasena.
Further Exploration: History and Archaeology of Elephanta
- Learn more about the structural uniqueness of the newly found stepped tank on Drishti IAS.
- Read a detailed archaeological breakdown of the discoveries on The Hindu.
- Explore the original BBC Hindi coverage of the event.
Would you like to know more about the ancient port cities on the island or the history of the Kalachuri dynasty associated with these findings?
