IT
2,000-year-old Indian stone labyrinth may reveal details of ancient trade routes
Myterious labyrinths have always held a special place in human culture, yet from time to time discoveries emerge that redefine their significance. A recently identified, exceptionally large Indian stone labyrinth, for instance, may provide new insights not only into ancient architecture but also into the cultural and economic connections of Southeast Asia thousands of years ago.
Labyrinths rank among the most complex and undoubtedly most mysterious structures in history. Numerous legends surround their origins, yet they cannot be linked to a single civilisation or era; they appear across different geographical regions and historical periods. In India, a group of conservationists has discovered a stone labyrinth built around two millennia ago — a find considered a milestone in several respects, reports Archaeology News.
The uniqueness of the Indian stone labyrinth
The Indian stone labyrinth discovered in the Boramani grasslands of the Solapur district in Maharashtra state is currently the largest known circular labyrinth in the region. Measuring approximately 15 × 15 metres and consisting of 15 concentric stone rings, it far exceeds previously known similar structures, which featured no more than 11 rings.
The labyrinth is constructed from small, carefully placed stone blocks that guide the visitor inward with near-mathematical precision, all the way to the central spiral. This not only provides a striking visual experience but also points to deliberate and sophisticated planning.
Interestingly, the site was not uncovered during an archaeological excavation but by conservationists during fieldwork, while monitoring the area’s rare wildlife — such as the Great Indian bustard and the Indian wolf. However, the unusual nature of the stone formation quickly attracted the attention of experts, marking the beginning of the scientific investigation of the Indian stone labyrinth.
Trade and cultural connections
Initial analyses suggest that the Indian stone labyrinth is around 2,000 years old and dates back to the period of the Satavahana dynasty. This era is regarded as one of the most vibrant periods of trade in Indian history, when the Deccan Plateau maintained active connections with Roman trade networks operating along the Arabian Sea. Historical sources tell us that spices, silk and indigo were exchanged for gold, wine and luxury goods during this time.
More than an ancient structure
According to researchers, the Indian stone labyrinth is not an isolated phenomenon. Smaller, similar structures have been found in other regions, specifically along ancient trade routes, making the form of the labyrinth particularly intriguing in terms of cultural parallels. While it recalls classical labyrinths of the Mediterranean — such as patterns depicted on Roman-era coins — its central spiral evokes the Indian chakravyuha motif, a symbol that is both military and cosmic in nature.
Moreover, the thick layers of soil that accumulated between the stone rings suggest that the Indian stone labyrinth remained untouched for centuries, preserving its original form and meaning.
The discovery raises new questions: was it a ritual space, a waymarker for traders, or a stone-carved expression of collective memory? While the answers are still forthcoming, one thing is certain: the Indian stone labyrinth tells a story not only about India’s past, but also about the global interconnectedness of the ancient world.