Ancient Copper Plates Unearthed on Elephanta Island Rewrite Western India's History

Two historic copper plates have been uncovered on Gharapuri Island, also known as Elephanta. The discovery was made during recent excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India. These artefacts shed new light on nearly 300 years of western Indian history and its maritime trade connections. The copper plates were found inside storage jars near an old warehouse-like structure at Morabander. The Archaeological Survey of India’s Mumbai Circle conducted the dig during the 2025-26 excavation season.

One plate is linked to the Chalukyas of Navasarika and dates back to the seventh or eighth century. It bears a royal seal with the inscription 'Shri Jayashrayah' and is thought to belong to King Jayashraya Mangalarasa. The second plate belongs to Maharaja Indrasena of the Traikutaka dynasty, which ruled between the fourth and sixth centuries AD.

Gharapuri was once a key maritime trading hub. It connected western India to overseas commercial networks, as confirmed by earlier excavations at Morabander. The findings deepen the understanding of early coastal trade and regional political history. They also confirm the island’s historical role in international trade. The copper plates provide tangible evidence of its past significance.