In India, the maharajas of yore were the custodians of art and ensured a patronage that kept their favourite artists, musicians, singers, dancers and artisans well looked after. In the contemporary artwork of today, large galleries play host to the private exhibitions of varied artists and their works. A lot of these shows have private corporate funding.

In the last week the city has played host to two spectacular mega art events.Two of the city's most well-known art lovers and patrons have put up these mammoth events. The houses of Ambani and Goenka through the untiring efforts of Tina Anil Ambani and Harsh Goenka have given the city two events that showcase the nation's artistic talent in it's most breath-taking splendour.

The Harmony Show at the Nehru Centre is conceptualised and executed by Tina as a lifestyle theme. Vimal fabrics and textiles give the ambiance of an opulent home and the spectacular display of art works by renown and fledging artists completes this vast yet impactive exhibition.

Harsh's show `Flashback, Flash Forward' at the Jehangir Gallery is a careful amalgamation of artists that this lover of the arts believes to be works that will bring us into the millennium.The futuristic concept of art as presented with virtual reality art in the larger gallery makes for interesting contemplation.

The city of Mumbai is the recipient of yet another art bonanza `The Centre for the Arts & Sciences of Ancestral Crafts'from the artisans of Thirunelveli. In the words of the Centre: `Papanaasam Swamy, the founder of the Papanaasam Kudisai, during his wanderings through the length and breadth of India discovered the quintessential heritage of his land in a pure, organic state in the inherent cultural pulse of the simple, unsophisticated people living in the villages. From this realisation emerged the idea of retrieving, protecting and promoting the original art and craft forms of India. And thence the idea of creating a self-sufficient village for fold artisans happened to the swamy.' This inspired Anita Pratap the ex-bureau chief of CNN to make a fascinating video on these artisans guided by Papanaasam Swamy. The wood works on display at the Nehru Centre are a dying craft and a must see as the arts and crafts in India need a revival if many of our old rich traditions are to carry forth into the next century.

With these three exhibitions Mumbaikars can experience the Arts to a level of the sublime. By hosting theseall-encompassing shows the patrons of these shows have shown that a healthy respect and love for the arts still survives. By visiting these shows, which showcase a hot-house of talent, even the average man on the street can access, at least visually, the finest that money can buy. Thereby enriching himself with the experience. Art lovers from all works of life will come away with the distinct impression that art is well and thriving in our wonderful metropolis Mumbai, thanks to the benevolence of these patrons of the arts.