From Rome to Solapur: Discovery of Ancient Labyrinth Reveals Historic Trade Route

Solapur, Maharashtra: Archaeologists have uncovered India’s largest circular stone labyrinth in the Boramani grasslands of Solapur district, Maharashtra. This ancient labyrinth, consisting of 15 concentric rings, sheds new light on trade connections between Ter (Dharashiv) in India and Rome nearly 2,000 years ago.

The discovery was made by archaeologist Sachin Patil from Pune’s Deccan College and has garnered international recognition. It will be featured in the 2026 issue of the UK-based journal “Caerdroia,” which specializes in studies of labyrinths. Previously, India’s largest circular labyrinth had only 11 rings, making this find unprecedented. While Tamil Nadu’s Gedimedu site features the largest square labyrinth (56 feet), Solapur’s labyrinth is the largest circular labyrinth by area in the country, measuring approximately 50×50 feet.

A Unique Indian Design
Jeff Saward, editor of Caerdroia and a labyrinth expert, noted: “While this labyrinth belongs to the classical family, the inclusion of a spiral in the center is a distinctly Indian feature, often referred to as ‘Chakravyuh.’ It is undoubtedly the largest stone labyrinth in India with this many circular circuits.”

Connecting to Rome
Patil explained that the labyrinths may have served as navigational guides for Roman traders traveling from Maharashtra’s western coast to northeastern and other regions of India. “These traders exchanged spices, silk, and indigo for gold, wine, and precious decorative stones,” he said.

Historical Significance
Prof. P.D. Sable, head of the Archaeology Department at Deccan College, emphasized that this discovery reinforces historical accounts of trade. “Kolhapur, Karad, and Ter were major centers of foreign trade. Excavations at Brahmpuri in 1945 unearthed a Greco-Roman Poseidon statue and a polished bronze mirror. Labyrinths found in Sangli, Satara, and Solapur indicate that this region was a busy trade route, akin to the Silk Route, frequented by Greco-Roman merchants.”

Discovery in the Wild
The structure was first noticed by members of the NGO Nature Conservation Circle while monitoring Great Indian Bustards and wolves in the Boramani Grasslands Safari Reserve. Team members Pappu, Nitin Anwekar, Dhananjay Kakde, Bharat Chheda, Aditya Jhingade, and Sachin Sawant reported it to Patil. On December 17, Patil confirmed its significance.

Made of small stone bricks, the labyrinth contains approximately 1.5-inch layers of soil between the rings, indicating it has remained untouched for centuries. Its design resembles the labyrinth depicted on Crete coins, used as Roman currency between the first and third centuries CE.

A Window into Ancient India
This labyrinth provides a glimpse into India’s ancient history and foreign trade relations, demonstrating the engineering skills and cultural practices of the time. Beyond its archaeological importance, it has the potential to become a major tourist attraction in Solapur, drawing historians, researchers, and enthusiasts alike.