Steps into past: 1,500-year-old reservoir unearthed on Elephanta island
A 1,500-year-old stepped reservoir has been discovered on Elephanta Island, off the coast of Mumbai. The reservoir features a T-shaped structure with 20 stone steps leading down to it, showcasing advanced engineering for water storage. This excavation, which began in November 2025, has also revealed various artifacts indicating the island's historical maritime trade connections.
- ▪The stepped reservoir is approximately 14.7 metres long and 10.8 metres wide.
- ▪Excavations have uncovered a variety of artifacts, including terracotta figurines and ancient coins.
- ▪The reservoir's design is significant due to the island's rocky nature, which prevents water from seeping into the soil.
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As we trudged through the scrub jungle on a hill on the Elephanta Island off the Mumbai coast on March 17, 2026, Abhijit Ambekar declared with a flourish, “We will show you the wonder-discovery of our excavation.” Professor Abhijit Dandekar chipped in, “It is a show-stopper.”As we reached the trench, where several men and women were excavating the soil deep below, it was clear that it was a spectacular discovery. There it was: a series of steps leading to a reservoir below. In other words, it was a stepped reservoir or a reservoir built with a wide staircase of perfectly aligned stone blocks.Dr.
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