Photo: Sachin Patil
Archaeologists have discovered a unique circular stone labyrinth in Solapur, Maharashtra, believed to be the largest of its kind in India. The structure, featuring 15 concentric rings, may be linked to trade routes between Dharashivi and the Roman Empire nearly 2,000 years ago, according to The Times of India.
The discovery was made by archaeologist Sachin Patil from Deccan College, Pune. Experts suggest it sheds new light on trade between Ter in Dharashivi and Rome around 2,000 years ago. The find has already attracted international attention and will be detailed in the 2026 issue of the British journal Caerdroia. Previously, the largest circular stone labyrinth in India had 11 rings. The Solapur labyrinth measures 50 by 50 feet (approximately 15 by 15 meters) and contains 15 circular contours.
While the largest labyrinth by overall area remains the Gedimedu labyrinth in Tamil Nadu at 56 square feet (17 meters), the Solapur structure is the largest circular stone labyrinth in the country.
“This labyrinth belongs to the classical family, but the addition of a spiral at the center is a distinctive feature in India, often referred to as a ‘chakravyu’,” said Jeff Saward, editor of Caerdroia and labyrinth researcher.
Sachin Patil explained that such labyrinths may have served as navigational markers for Roman merchants who exchanged gold, wine, and precious stones for spices, silk, and indigo dye. P.D. Sabale, head of Deccan College’s archaeology department, noted that the region encompassing Kolhapur, Karad, and Ter was a major hub for external trade.
Patil observed that the labyrinth’s design resembles images found on coins from Crete used in the 1st–3rd centuries CE, suggesting the structure is over 2,000 years old. Smaller 11-ring labyrinths have previously been found in Sangli, Satara, and Kolhapur, believed to be located along key trade routes of the Satavahana dynasty.
Sabale added that excavations in Brahmapur in 1945 uncovered a statue of the Greco-Roman god Poseidon and a bronze mirror, supporting the idea that labyrinths in Sangli, Satara, and Solapur were part of an active trading corridor for Greco-Roman merchants.
The structure was first noticed by members of the Nature Conservation Circle during wildlife observations and reported to archaeologists. Upon inspection on December 17, Patil confirmed its archaeological significance, noting the 1.5-inch (3.8 cm) soil layer between the rings, which indicates the site has remained undisturbed for centuries.
“Beyond navigation, labyrinths in many cultures are associated with fertility and serve as tools for meditation. Locally, they are called ‘kode’ (puzzle), but in various traditions, they are also known as ‘chakravyu,’ ‘manchakra,’ and ‘yamadvar’,” added the archaeologist.
