SONE BHANDAR CAVE - The SON BHANDAR cave, also known as SONE BHANDAR CAVE or SWARN BHANDAR CAVE are generally dated to the 3rd or 4th century CE, based on the dedicatory inscription found in the largest cave which uses Gupta script of the 4th century CE, although some authors have suggested the caves could actually go back to the period of the Maurya empire from 319 to 180 BCE located in Rajgir in the state of Bihar in India. Sonbhandar caves also referred as Swarn Bhandar are believed to be the historical fortune of the Rajgir city. These caves are located on the north-west side of Maniyar Mutt, Rajgir City in Bihar, India. Son bhandar caves are a set of dual chambers that were interestingly hollowed out from a single colossal rock. It is also believed that one of these chambers was used as the guard room containing an entry leading to King Bimbisara Treasury. This treasury is, however, still believed to be intact.he Son bhandar caves can be divided into two segments - the Western Cave and the Eastern Cave. The Western cave is seen as the guard room, containing a single chamber with rectangular shape sized 10.4 x 5.2 m. The arched ceiling is standing on vertical walls with the vault being as high as 1.5 m. This reflects the ancient Mauryan style of rock cut sanctuaries. In historical times, there may probably be the trend of keeping roofed verandahs in front of the caves. it is believed that the ancient caves of Son Bhandar, which means 'store of gold', is home to a hidden gold treasure. Legend has it that there is a crazy amount of gold hidden inside the walls of the caves. It is said that there is a passage inside the cave leading to the treasure, but no one could find it ever.