Mahatma Gandhi’s Notes Sold for $17 Million, Setting Record for Indian Historical Documents

A collection of notes written by Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi was sold in Mumbai for $17 million, marking the highest price ever achieved for an Indian historical document. The Mumbai-based auction house, Saffron Art, disclosed that the collection had been preserved by the family of Anand T. Hingorani, a close associate of Gandhi and fellow freedom fighter. These 688 handwritten notes were written by Gandhi as messages of consolation to Hingorani after the death of his wife, Vidya. The notes are compiled in a book titled A Thought for the Day. Written between 1944 and 1946, the notes cover various themes including truth, God, and non-violence.

“The sale of A Thought for the Day for $17 million sets a world record for the highest auction price achieved by an Indian historical document,” Saffron Art stated in a press release. The notes were the highlight of the collection titled Gandhi: The Anand T. Hingorani Collection. Other significant items in the collection included Gandhi’s portable spinning wheel and notes on how to use it. “What makes this collection particularly compelling is its close personal connection to one of the most important figures in Indian history,” said Dinesh Vazirani, co-founder of Saffron Art, in the statement. “This sale underscores the sustained enthusiasm for Gandhi’s life and legacy and highlights the strong appeal of primary source material linked to a key leader of the Indian independence movement.” Gandhi, one of the most influential figures in India’s history, led a non-violent campaign against British rule that inspired similar resistance movements worldwide. He was assassinated in January 1948. – RASAS