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Detail of image in the niche over the head of the Buddha of Cave H. The image has been identified as Maitreya by some authors. ,Maitreya is the bodhisattva destined to become the Buddha of the future. However, the iconography is not demonstrable through observation of the painting itself because not characteristic attributes of Maitreya appear. This may be a crowned or bejewelled Buddha or it may be another bodhisattva whose identity is yet to be determined. The scarves and swirling headdress-ties are indicative of the figure wearing diaphonous and therefore luxurious silks, a symbol of royalty and attainment in the Buddhist context.

Cave H is located toward the eastern end of the cliff face. The cave once housed a seated Buddha image which was probably modelled in stucco over a wooden armature and secured to the base form with wooden dowels. As with the colossal Buddha images at the east and west ends, and the small niche identified as Cave I, the walls and ceilings of this niche-like cave was originally painted with images of Buddhas. Fragments of painting still survive, particularly on the ceiling.

Photo (C) Dr. John C. Huntington