Speaking for the first time after his brush with controversy over one of his paintings that was up for auction, octogenarian artist M F Husain [Images] has contended ''nudity'' was a form of innocence and maturity.

In a signed statement on Tuesday, Husain, against whom the Centre has initiated legal action, said: 'We Indians are proud to create a civilisation of art and culture, enshrined in the sanctity of Ajanta and Ellora caves and temples for the last 5,000 years. There, the images of Gods and Goddesses are pure and uncovered. Here the 'nudity' is not nakedness, it is a form of innocence and maturity.

'Take the monumental form of 'Mahavira' and the carvings of 'Khajuraho'... they evoke spirituality.

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'We Indians painters of significance are the direct descendants of that golden era... the era of great vision that transcend the mundane reality to eternity where the 'Human' form turns into a metaphorical structure. The ultimate presence of 'Shiva and Parvati' exist in the cosmic space not bound by the boundary of a tiny planet called Earth,' he said.

Michael Angelo's 'Pieta' in marble is a masterpiece of recreating reality, while 'Shiva and Parvati' in bronze go beyond reality, the arrest noted.

He further said for the last 50 years, an enlightened body of Indian painters are engaged in ''redefining and relaying'' the ancient cultural heritage of our time. As in any human endeavour, 'faith' is the core of it all. With great care and reverence of all faith, the Indian sub-continent has evolved a unique secular culture of its own.

He described himself as a humble and ardent contributor in creating a great Indian 'Composite' culture.