India news: Gandhi's handwritten notes sold for $1.7 million at Mumbai auction
A collection of notes written by Mahatma Gandhi has fetched the highest ever price for an Indian historical document in Mumbai. Meanwhile, a reported visit by Bangladesh's Tarique Rahman remains in doubt. DW has more.
In a record-breaking Mumbai auction on August 22, 2026, a collection of handwritten notes by Mahatma Gandhi fetched $1.7 million, marking the highest price ever paid for an Indian historical document at auction. The notes, totaling 688, were penned by Gandhi to his close associate Anand Hingorani between 1944 and 1946, following the passing of Hingorani's wife, Vidya.
Later compiled into a book titled "A Thought for the Day," the writings covered themes such as truth, God, and non-violence, reflecting Gandhi's personal views on his core principles. The collection, maintained by Hingorani's family, comprised Gandhi's spinning wheel, documents on spinning, manuscripts, letters, photographs, and other personal items.
The auction featured various items belonging to the renowned freedom fighter, including artifacts from his Salt March, a peace campaign against Britain's salt monopoly. Dinesh Vazirani, co-founder of auction house Saffronart, noted that the collection offered a unique perspective on Gandhi through his personal relationship with Hingorani.
Gandhi, who led India's non-violent independence movement from British rule and inspired similar movements globally, was assassinated in January 1948.
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