Subject Preference: GS I (Art, Culture & Ancient History)
- The News: Discovered in the Boramani grasslands of Solapur (Maharashtra), measuring 50x50 feet with 15 concentric circles.
- Basics: A labyrinth is a complex stone path used for rituals, navigation, or symbolic purposes. This is the largest circular labyrinth found in India.
- Archaeological & Trade Context:
- Satavahana Connection: Estimated to be 2,000 years old, dating back to the Satavahana period—a golden era of Indo-Roman trade.
- Indo-Roman Link: The design resembles classical Roman labyrinths found on Mediterranean coins, suggesting it might have served as a navigational marker or ritual site for merchants traveling from the coast to the hinterland.
- Cultural Symbolism: It mirrors the Indian concept of Chakravyuh, showcasing a blend of indigenous philosophy and global trade influences.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
