A possible medieval lighthouse at Mul Dwarka (Kodinar) Saurashtra Coast, India

Abstract

An ancient lighthouse was observed during recent archaeological explorations at Mul Dwarka (Kodinar), which might be the oldest lighthouse so far recorded on the Saurashtra coast. This lighthouse, locally known as Diva Dandi, is 4 m high and approx. 2 m in diameter and constructed with well-dressed limestone blocks. The SEM-EDS elemental oxide analysis of the binding material (lime mortar) suggests that calcium oxide (lime) comprises about 3/4 of total composition followed by other major constituents: silicon dioxide (silica) 19-23% and aluminium oxide (alumina) approx. 4%