Alternate names
The town is also known as the Cave City of Lasbella, the Cave Dwellings of Gondrani, the House of the Spirits, and the town of Mai Goudrani.Location
The site is to the north of the ancient town of Bela and fromHistory
Caves of Gondrani
The Caves of Gondrani are locally known as ''Puraney Ghar'', simply translating to ‘Old Houses’. ( ur, ),. They are carved into solid conglomerate rocks at several levels, and are connected by pathways. All the caves have small rooms with hearths and wall niches for lamps, along with verandahs or front porches. During British rule, around 1500 caves were reported, but now only 500 remain. The caves are in poor condition and are slowly eroding. No conservation efforts have been made to protect the site due to poor accessibility and lack of knowledge of the archaeological site.Legends
Many local legends are associated with the town. One relates the story of a king and his daughter, named Badiul Jamal, during the reign of king Solomon, who was haunted by demons. Many heroes came to free her and failed, but eventually Prince Saif-ul-Muluk killed the demons and freed her. According to another legend, the demons and evil spirits inhabiting the mountain would torment and feed on the flesh of the people of Gondrani. An old holy woman named ''Mai Balochani'' or ''Mai Balochani'' sacrificed herself to kill the demons and free the town people. In another version, the pious lady exorcised the town and lived there until her death. The woman is buried nearby; her burial place is a well-known local shrine.See also
* Archaeological sites in LasbellaReferences
{{Balochistan, Pakistan topics Lasbela District Archaeological sites in Balochistan, Pakistan