A rare collection of 688 handwritten reflections and letters by Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi has sold at auction for nearly £1.2 million, equivalent to more than Tk 200 million, setting a new world record for the sale of an Indian historical document at auction, according to auction house Saffronart.
The collection was offered in 86 lots at an auction titled “Gandhi: From the Collection of Anand T. Hingorani.” The centerpiece was the collection of 688 handwritten reflections by Gandhi, which had been estimated at between Rs 150 million and Rs 250 million. It ultimately sold for Rs 162 million, or approximately £1.2 million.
The reflections were written by Gandhi for his close associate and fellow freedom movement activist Anand T. Hingorani. Gandhi wrote the entries over nearly two years, from November 20, 1944, to October 10, 1946. They were later compiled into a book titled A Thought for the Day.
The collection has a deeply personal history. After the death of Hingorani’s wife, Vidya, he was reportedly overcome by grief and loneliness. While undergoing naturopathic treatment for hearing difficulties, he shared his emotional distress and personal struggles with Gandhi.
In an effort to provide emotional support, Gandhi began writing one thought for Hingorani each day. What began as a private exchange gradually developed into an extensive written record of Gandhi’s philosophy and reflections.
Minal Vazirani, co-founder and president of Saffronart, said Gandhi personally set aside time each day to write a reflection for Hingorani. Gandhi was the original author, while Hingorani served as the recipient, organizer and transcriber before later preparing the writings for publication.
The 688 reflections cover a wide range of themes central to Gandhi’s philosophy, including truth and non-violence, celibacy and self-restraint, detachment from material possessions, fearlessness, religious equality, prayer and service, work and duty, silence and conscience, self-realization and the search for God.
The auction also featured nine letters written by Gandhi in 1930 and 1931. The letters contain his views on Anand and Vidya Hingorani’s marriage, family opposition, financial independence, family reconciliation, marital responsibilities and self-discipline.
Among the other highlights was a collection of three manuscripts and letters containing Gandhi’s reflections on God and the Bhagavad Gita, which sold for Rs 16.8 million. A portable box charkha belonging to Gandhi was also sold for Rs 10.2 million.
The Hingorani family had preserved Gandhi’s writings and personal belongings for generations. After remaining in the family’s possession for decades, the materials were placed on the international auction market and achieved record prices.
The sale has also prompted concern in India over the auction of historically significant Gandhi documents. A. Annamalai, director of the National Gandhi Museum in New Delhi, described the sale as “deeply distressing,” arguing that Gandhi’s original letters, manuscripts and personal belongings should not be viewed merely as private property but as part of India’s shared historical heritage.
He stressed the importance of preserving such documents for future generations.
The identity of the buyer has not been disclosed. Saffronart said the buyer is an Indian citizen and that the valuable manuscripts will remain in India.
Source: Saffronart