I could gain no information at Beila, Quetta, or even Karachi, as to the origin of this curious cave-city, though there can be no doubt that it is of great antiquity.
Carless the traveller's account is perhaps the most authentic.
"About nine miles to the northward of Beila a range of low hills sweeps in a semicircle from one side of the valley to the other, and forms its head.

The Purali river issues from a deep ravine on the western side, and rushes down (in the wet season) about two hundred yards broad.

It is bounded on one side by steep cliffs, forty or fifty feet high, on the summit of which is an ancient burial-ground.
Following the stream, we gained the narrow ravine through which it flows, and, turning into one of the lateral branches, entered Shahr-Rogan." Here, on the day in question, Prince Kumal called a halt.

A couple of small tents were pitched, and a meal, consisting of an excellent curry, stewed pigeons, beer, and claret, served.

Leaving the Prince to amuse himself and delight his followers with his skill in rifle-shooting at a mark chalked out on the rocks, I continued my explorations.