India (Commonwealth Union)_ A collection of Mahatma Gandhi’s handwritten reflections has fetched a record Rs 16.2 crore at an auction in Mumbai, highlighting both the continuing value of his legacy and the growing debate over the private sale of India’s historical treasures. The 688 handwritten notes, written between 1944 and 1946, were sold by Saffronart at an auction titled “Gandhi: From the Collection of Anand T Hingorani”. The collection, later published as a book called “A Thought for the Day”, contains Gandhi’s thoughts on truth, non-violence, self-discipline, duty, morality, prayer and the search for God.
The sale price of about $1.7 million made the collection the most expensive Indian historical document ever sold at auction. However, Saffronart has not revealed the identity of the buyer. The documents were preserved by the family of Anand T Hingorani, a freedom fighter who had been a follower of Gandhi since he was 13. Hingorani took part in the historic 1930 Dandi March and later worked at Sabarmati Ashram. He also joined Gandhi during the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India Movement.
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The collection included more than just Gandhi’s handwritten thoughts. Letters, manuscripts, photographs and personal belongings connected to the freedom fighter were also offered for sale. Among them were Gandhi’s notes on God and the Bhagavad Gita, a portable “peti charkha” or box spinning wheel, and his West End Watch. The auction has, however, raised concerns over whether such objects should be treated as private collectibles or preserved as part of India’s national heritage.
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A Annamalai, director of the National Gandhi Museum in Delhi, described the sale of Gandhi’s writings and personal items as deeply distressing. He said original letters and manuscripts carry historical value that goes beyond private ownership and should be preserved for future generations. Annamalai urged people who still possess Gandhi’s letters, manuscripts or personal belongings not to sell them at auction. Instead, he appealed to owners to hand the items to the National Gandhi Museum, where they can be protected and made available for public study.
The Hingorani family said the objects had been carefully preserved for generations and represented important moments in India’s freedom struggle. For the family, the auction was also a way of sharing Gandhi’s ideals and legacy with a wider audience. The record sale has therefore created a striking contrast: while Gandhi’s words have commanded a historic price, questions remain over whether pieces of such a shared national legacy should ever be placed on the market.
