2,000-Year-Old Circular Stone Labyrinth Discovered in Maharashtra

Archaeologists have uncovered a rare circular stone labyrinth in the Boramani grasslands of Solapur, marking the largest circular labyrinth ever recorded in India.

Experts estimate the structure to be nearly 2,000 years old, offering valuable insights into ancient engineering, trade routes, and cultural exchange in the Indian subcontinent.

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2,000-Year-Old Circular Stone Labyrinth Discovered in Maharashtra

Unique Design and Unprecedented Scale

The Boramani labyrinth measures approximately 50 feet × 50 feet and consists of 15 concentric stone circles, carved with exceptional geometric precision.

Key architectural highlights:

• Perfectly circular geometry, unprecedented in India
• Constructed using carefully laid stone pathways
• Surpasses earlier circular labyrinths, which had only 11 concentric circles

Earlier Indian labyrinth discoveries, including one in Tamil Nadu, were square-shaped, making the Boramani find unique in both form and complexity.

Comparison with Earlier Discoveries

Although the Boramani structure is the largest circular labyrinth, it is the second-largest overall by area in India.

• Largest by area: Gedimedu (56-foot square labyrinth)
• Largest circular labyrinth: Boramani, Maharashtra

This discovery adds a new dimension to understanding ancient Indian spatial symbolism and planning traditions.

Historical Context and Trade Connections

Archaeologists associate the labyrinth with the Satavahana dynasty, which ruled large parts of the Deccan region around 2,000 years ago.

Key historical insights:

• Satavahanas played a major role in early transcontinental trade
• Labyrinth patterns resemble motifs seen on ancient Roman coins
• Suggests strong Indo-Roman trade and cultural interactions

Experts believe the structure may have functioned as a symbolic or navigational marker for Roman merchants travelling inland from India’s western coast.

Discovery, Ecology, and Preservation Efforts

The labyrinth was first noticed by a wildlife NGO monitoring Great Indian Bustards and wolf populations in the Boramani grasslands. Archaeologists later confirmed its archaeological significance.

The site represents a rare convergence of:

• Archaeology
• Ecology
• Ancient commerce

Urgent documentation and preservation efforts are now underway to protect the site and deepen understanding of India’s ancient commercial sophistication.

Exam-Oriented Key Facts

• Boramani labyrinth is the largest circular stone labyrinth in India
• Located in Solapur district, Maharashtra
• Dates back nearly 2,000 years
• Consists of 15 concentric stone circles
• Linked to the Satavahana period
• Indicates Indo-Roman trade connections

Question & Answer

Q1. Where was India’s largest circular stone labyrinth discovered?
(a) Gedimedu, Tamil Nadu
(b) Hampi, Karnataka
(c) Boramani grasslands, Maharashtra
(d) Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Answer: Boramani grasslands, Maharashtra

Q2. The Boramani stone labyrinth dates back to approximately which period?
(a) Mauryan period
(b) Gupta period
(c) Satavahana period
(d) Chola period
Answer: Satavahana period

Q3. How many concentric stone circles are present in the Boramani labyrinth?
(a) 9
(b) 11
(c) 13
(d) 15
Answer: 15

Q4. The Boramani labyrinth provides evidence of trade links between India and which civilisation?
(a) Greek
(b) Persian
(c) Egyptian
(d) Roman
Answer: Roman

Q5. Which site holds the distinction of the largest labyrinth by area in India?
(a) Boramani, Maharashtra
(b) Gedimedu, Tamil Nadu
(c) Lothal, Gujarat
(d) Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh
Answer: Gedimedu, Tamil Nadu

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