Painter MF Husain's work finally displayed at India's biggest art fair

The works of India's best-know painter can be seen for the first time at the country's biggest art fair after organisers decided to showcase them amid threats from hardline Hindu groups who oppose his paintings of Hindu gods in the nude.

A participating gallery at the 3rd edition of the India Art Summit had briefly put of three large canvas painting of Maqbool Fida Husain during a VIP preview on Thursday, but quickly removed them after several threatening emails and phone calls.

But organisers decided to remount them late Friday evening following security assurance by the police. The art fair had refrained from showcasing Husain's works in previous years due to threats of vandalism.

"Ours is the first (Indian) gallery to display Husain in the last five years, said Ashish Anand, director of Delhi Art Gallery which is showcasing the paintings.

Ninty five year-old Husain, whose work is a blend of cubism and classical Indian styles that fetch millions on international art markets, has been in self-imposed exile since 2006 after court cases against him for paintings of Hindu gods in the nude.

Hindu vigilantes have in the past vandalised shows displaying Husain's works and even attacked the painter's house.

Husain, who has been described as the Picasso of India by Forbes magazine, was granted Qatari citizenship last year.

The art fair, which runs from January 21-23, has grown in size and stature with 84 exhibiting galleries this year, compared to 54 in the last edition.

International galleries, seeking an entry into the booming country, doubled their participation from last year to 34.