Mahatma Gandhi's manuscript sells for ₹16.2 crore at auction, sets record - Check details

Mahatma Gandhi's handwritten manuscript titled “A Thought for the Day” has fetched ₹16.2 crore at a Saffronart auction, setting a new record for the sale of an Indian historical document. The collection consists of 688 autographed reflections penned by Gandhi for his close associate, Anand T. Hingorani, over a period of 23 months. The anonymous buyer, identified as being based in India, ensured the manuscript remains within the country after the sale. The reflections, which were later compiled into a book of the same name, were written to comfort and guide Hingorani during the grief following the death of his wife, Vidya. Hingorani, a prominent figure in India's struggle for independence, was deeply connected to Gandhi. He first met the Mahatma in 1930 and served at the Sabarmati Ashram. Hingorani actively participated in key nationalist movements, including the Dandi March, the Civil Disobedience Movement, and the Quit India movement. His association with Gandhi spanned decades, offering a unique and personal glimpse into the leader's philosophy and practices. The auction, held by Saffronart, included a total of 86 lots comprising letters, photographs, manuscripts, and personal objects associated with Gandhi. Among the notable items sold were a set of three manuscript and correspondence pieces on Gandhi’s reflections about God and the Bhagavad Gita, which went for ₹1.68 crore. Another highlight was a ‘peti charkha’ (box spinning wheel) accompanied by two letters discussing the spiritual discipline of spinning, fetching ₹1.02 crore. A signed presentation photograph of Gandhi writing sold for ₹78 lakh, while a set of letters, telegrams, and postcards focusing on economic independence commanded ₹57.60 lakh. The collection, preserved by the Hingorani family for many years, provides an intimate view of Gandhi’s life and teachings. It offers insights into his core beliefs such as truth, ahimsa (non-violence), brahmacharya (celibacy), non-possession, religious equality, the eradication of untouchability, Ramanama (chanting of the name of Rama), hunger, duty, Swaraj (self-rule), non-attachment, and the pursuit of God. These themes reflect the depth of Gandhi’s philosophical and ethical framework, as well as his practical application of these ideals in everyday life. Dinesh Vazirani, co-founder of Saffronart, highlighted the significance of the auction, noting that the response to Lot 80, the collection of reflections, underscored its rarity and historical value. He emphasized that the sale represented more than just a financial transaction, describing it as an opportunity to witness Gandhi’s life and thought through the eyes of someone who was personally close to him. This connection adds a layer of authenticity and emotional resonance to the documents, making them not only historically relevant but also deeply human. The auction results have sparked discussions among historians and cultural experts, with many acknowledging the importance of preserving such artifacts. The sale also underscores the growing interest in India’s heritage and the increasing recognition of the nation’s leaders as both political and spiritual figures. As the market for historical documents continues to evolve, the sale of Gandhi’s manuscript serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the world’s most influential thinkers.