Bihar's Sona Bhandar: Ancient Treasure or Enduring Myth?

• As gold prices hit record highs, the ancient Sona Bhandar cave in Rajgir, Nalanda, Bihar, sparks renewed interest in its legendary hidden treasure.
• Linked to Magadh kings Jarasandha and Bimbisara, local legends claim a vast gold hoard was concealed here, possibly by Bimbisara's wife to protect royal fortune.
• The cave, located in the Vaibhavgiri Mountains, features an undeciphered Shankh Lipi inscription believed to hold the key to locating the treasure, which is said to be buried under an immovable rock.
• Archaeological findings reveal the cave's multi-religious significance, with statues of Jain Tirthankaras, an idol of Lord Vishnu, and inscriptions from Maurya and Gupta periods.
• Despite British attempts to breach it and ongoing archaeological surveys, no treasure has been found, yet its unique architecture and Mahabharata-era tales continue to draw tourists and historians.

Why It Matters: Bihar's Sona Bhandar cave remains a captivating mystery, blending historical significance with legends of hidden gold.