Ancient Copper Plates Reveal Elephanta Island's Lost Maritime Trade Secrets

Archaeologists have uncovered two historic copper plates on Gharapuri Island, also known as Elephanta. The discovery was made during the 2025-26 excavation season by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Mumbai Circle. These plates offer new insights into the region’s maritime trade history. The plates were found inside storage jars near the remains of a warehouse-like structure at Morabander. One plate dates to the reign of King Jayashraya Mangalarasa of the Chalukya dynasty and bears the inscription 'Shri Jayashrayah'. It is linked to the Chalukyas of Navasarika.

The second plate belongs to Maharaja Indrasena of the Traikutaka dynasty. This dynasty governed parts of western India, including Aparanta, Maharashtra, Khandesh, and South Gujarat, between the fourth and sixth centuries AD.

Gharapuri Island was once a key maritime trading hub. It connected western India to overseas commercial networks, and the plates confirm its role in trade during the Chalukya and Traikutaka periods. The discovery spans nearly 300 years of western Indian history. The copper plates provide concrete evidence of the island’s significance in ancient maritime trade. They also highlight the political and economic influence of the Chalukya and Traikutaka dynasties.