Son Bhandar or commonly known as Sone Bhandar are artificial caves located in Rajgir, Bihar. Caves have always been a topic of amazement and mystery, and so are the Son Bhandar caves of Bihar. It is situated at the foot of Vaibhar Hills, Son Bhander are two adjacent caves in the state.

History of Son Bhandar Caves

The Son Bhandar cave of Rajgir in Bihar is believed to be the doorway to the riches of Bimbisars. Son Bhandar literally translates to ‘store of gold’. When Bimbisara was imprisoned by his son Ajatashatru. Undeciphered inscriptions in the Sankhlipi script were found etched on the wall of the western cave.

The British tried to cannonball their way through the supposed doorway, but failed so, leaving a black mark that is still visible. The carvings and inscriptions in the caves establish their relation with Jainism. In addition to the inscriptions, there lies an unfinished sculpture of Lord Vishnu, which is currently displayed in a museum. The main cave has some significant architectural features consisting of a rectangular shape, a pointed ceiling, and a trapezoidal entrance, which gives the cave an aesthetic appeal.

Legends about the Son Bhandar Caves

The period that the cave belongs to is still a mystery! Some say that the inscriptions on the entrance of the cave belong to the 3rd or 4th century Gupta Period. While some believe that their origin can be traced back to the Mauryan Empire i.e, 319-180 BCE.
Another tale around the cave is said that there is a belief that the caves have the treasure of gold! Locals claim that the caves have an insane amount of gold jewels hidden in them. this story, made the caves became famous as Sone Bhnadar, which means (caves with an abundant amount of gold). To date, no one has found any trace of gold, but the story has managed to attract tourists and curious individuals to this place!

The architecture of Son Bhandar Caves

Sonbhandar Caves portray the architectural era of the Mauryan period. The main cave is designed in a rectangular shape with a pointed ceiling, and the design can be compared to the Barabar Caves. Sonbhandar Caves portray the architectural era of the Mauryan period. The main cave is designed in a rectangular shape with a pointed ceiling, and the design can be compared to the Barabar Caves, which were the first man-made caves in India. The chambers of these caves are beautifully polished, which adds to the beauty and uniqueness of these. There are many inscriptions in and around the caves, beliefs by the pilgrims, who visited the place. The entire construction of the cave is similar to the Mauryan rock-cut structures.

Sona Bhandar Caves are one of the last rock-cut caves in India. Son Bhandar is one of the unexplored places in the state of Bihar visited by those who love to go back in time.