New York (PTI): A painting by M F Husain fetched a $1.6 million in a world record for contemporary Indian art at an auction by the Christie's here amid a noisy demonstration outside the venue against the controversial artist.

Husain's painting "Battle of Ganga and Jamuna: Mahabharata 12" was bought by an anonymous buyer at the auction of Asian Modern and Contemporary art by the Christie's on Thursday.

This was a world auction record for any contemporary Indian painting, said the Christie's which had valued the work at $600,000.

Husain's another work "Mother Teresa," painted in 1997, was also among the top ten best sellers and went for $ 205,000 at the auction of Asian Modern and Contemporary art. It fetched the ninth highest bid.

Husain's paintings were auctioned amid a noisy demonstration against him outside the venue. Supporters of the Indian American Intellectual Forum held the protest demanding withdrawal of the works of the noted artist from the auction, accusing Husain of depicting Hindu gods and goddesses in a "derogatory and vulgar" form.

"Shame on Husain," and "Husain - Fugitive from Law," read some of the placards carried by the protesters during the two-hour demonstration in which Hindu Janjagruti Samiti also joined.