In Bagh Caves which cave name is wrong ?

Q: In Bagh Caves which cave name is wrong ?

In Bagh Caves which cave name is wrong ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 3: The name **"Third Cave is Ghora Khana"** is incorrect, which makes it the right choice for the question asking for the wrong association. The well-established and correct popular name for the Third Cave of the Bagh Caves is **Hathikhana**, which translates to 'Elephant Stable'. Early archaeologists and local tradition documented this name, possibly due to its large size or the folklore surrounding its use. The Third Cave (Hathikhana) is structurally recognized as a purely *Vihara* or monastic dwelling, distinct from the other caves, and originally featured elaborate carvings and remnants of paintings. Thus, 'Ghora Khana' is a factual error in the popular nomenclature, making this option the incorrect association and hence the correct answer to the question.

The incorrect option is 1: The name **First Cave is Greha Cave** is accurate. 'Greha Cave' (or *Griha*) translates to 'House' or 'Residence', and historical evidence suggests this cave was likely intended as the residence or dwelling place (*Vihara*) for the chief monk or priest of the entire monastic complex. The archaeological descriptions of its layout, which consists of a single hall excavation, align with this function.

The incorrect option is 2: The name **Second Cave is Panch Pandu** is a very common local name for the second cave. The full local moniker is often *Pandavon ki Gupha* (Cave of the Pandavas), which is why it is colloquially known as **Pandava Cave** or *Panch Pandu*. It is the most elaborately planned and best-preserved cave of the complex, and the local attribution to the heroes of the Mahabharata is a typical feature of Indian folklore for many ancient cave sites.

The incorrect option is 4: The name **Fourth Cave is Rang Mahal** is definitively correct. *Rang Mahal* translates to 'Palace of Colours' and this cave earned the name because it is the largest and was once adorned with the most extensive and richly detailed mural paintings of the entire Bagh complex. These paintings, executed in the tempera technique and depicting Buddhist themes, are the most celebrated feature of the Bagh Caves' artistic heritage, fully justifying the name.