Stepped Reservoir Unearthed at Elephanta Island

In April 2026, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) unearthed a 1,500-year-old stepped reservoir on Elephanta Island, off the Mumbai coast.

About the Reservoir

  • Design: It is a T-shaped stepped reservoir measuring approximately 14.7 meters in length.
  • Managing Water Supply: Unlike the rock-cut caves, this structure was built using stone blocks transported from the mainland, indicating sophisticated logistical planning to manage water on the rocky, water-scarce island.

Elephanta Island

  • Also known as Gharapuri, it is one of the islands in Mumbai Harbour, located east of Mumbai.
  • Elephanta Island is composed of volcanic rock that was formed during an eruptive sequence of the ....
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