Hindu Group Calls for Ban on Controversial M.F. Husain Paintings Auction

In a significant cultural and political development, the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) has demanded a complete ban on the auction of 25 paintings by the late artist M.F. Husain, scheduled for June 12 at the Pundole Art Gallery in Mumbai. The organization has submitted memoranda to several high-ranking officials, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, arguing that the proposed auction represents a glorification of anti-national and anti-Hindu sentiments.

The contentious nature of Husain's work has been a subject of debate for years. In a press release, HJS claimed that several pieces in the upcoming auction contain "vulgar" depictions of revered Hindu deities and Bharat Mata (Mother India). Among the most controversial is a painting titled "Rape of Mother India," which the HJS claims Husain created during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The group argues that this artwork constitutes sedition and a deep insult to India's cultural identity. “Glorifying such a figure under the guise of ‘artistic freedom’ is unacceptable,” stated the HJS, warning of public protests if the auction proceeds.

Maqbool Fida Husain, widely regarded as the "Picasso of India," was one of the most celebrated yet polarizing artists in the country. Despite his international acclaim, his works, which often depicted Hindu gods and goddesses in nude forms, led to over 1,200 legal complaints against him across India. Critics accused Husain of deliberately offending religious sentiments, while his supporters defended his artistic expressions as bold explorations of Indian mythology through a modern lens. Notably, Husain's portrayal of Sita seated nude on Hanuman’s tail and other similar depictions prompted widespread outrage among Hindu groups.

In light of mounting protests and legal challenges, Husain left India in 2006 and accepted Qatari citizenship in 2010. He passed away in exile in London in 2011. The recent directive by Delhi’s Patiala House Court to seize one of Husain's controversial paintings has been cited by HJS as a legal precedent that should guide future actions. The organization has urged the government not only to ban the auction but also to declare "Rape of Mother India" as anti-national and to ensure its destruction. Additionally, they are calling for legal action against galleries or individuals who attempt to sell or display such works, framing their arguments within the context of public harmony and national interest.

This demand for a ban comes amidst an ongoing debate about artistic freedom and the boundaries of cultural expression in India. The contrasting perspectives on Husain's legacy highlight a broader conflict within Indian society, where the appreciation of art often clashes with religious sentiments. The implications of this situation extend beyond the art world, raising questions about freedom of expression, national identity, and the role of government in mediating cultural disputes.

The outcome of this controversy will undoubtedly reverberate through the art community and beyond, as stakeholders navigate the fine line between protecting artistic freedom and respecting religious sentiments. As the auction date approaches, the HJS remains steadfast in its demands, emphasizing that allowing the auction to proceed undermines judicial intent and could ignite widespread protests across the nation. The upcoming days will be critical as the government deliberates on how to address this pressing cultural issue.