A collection of 688 handwritten notes by Mahatma Gandhi was sold for $1.69m at an auction in Mumbai city, setting a record for the highest price paid for an Indian historical document. The notes, which date from 1944 to 1946, offer a personal glimpse into Gandhi's thoughts on truth, non-violence, and self-restraint, and were written to close associate Anand T Hingorani during a time of personal loss. The collection also includes other items such as letters, manuscripts, photographs, and a portable spinning wheel. Dinesh Vazirani, co-founder of Saffronart, said the notes provide insight into how Gandhi lived out his principles in private life.
Written by the local model on 2026-08-21,
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Story summary
A rare collection of handwritten notes by Mahatma Gandhi, which span over two decades and document key moments in India's independence struggle as well as his friendship with Anand T Hingorani, was sold at an auction in Mumbai city for $1.69 million (£1.3m). The 688 notes were written by Gandhi between 1944 and 1946, and offer a personal glimpse into the life of the Indian independence leader, who advocated for non-violence and self-restraint. These handwritten messages were originally compiled in a book called "A Thought for the Day", which was sent to Hingorani after his wife's death as a source of guidance, consolation, and encouragement from Gandhi. The sale set a record for the highest price paid for an Indian historical document at auction, according to Saffronart.
Written for “Mahatma Gandhi Auction Results” on 2026-08-31,
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- Published
A rare collection of handwritten notes by Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi has been sold for $1.69m (£1.3m) at an auction in Mumbai city.
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collection → publish → city
The notes, owned and preserved by the family of close associate and freedom fighter Anand T Hingorani, include 688 of Gandhi's handwritten messages on truth, non-violence and self-restraint written between 1944 and 1946.
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notes → own → 1944
Auction house Saffronart said the sale set a record for the highest price paid for an Indian historical document at an auction.
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sale → say → auction
Gandhi led India's non-violent struggle against British rule and is fondly known as the father of the nation.
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Gandhi → lead → nation
But the notes offer a more personal glimpse of the man behind the political leader.
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notes → offer → leader
Gandhi wrote to Hingorani for around two years after the death of his wife, Vidya, offering him guidance, consolation and encouragement.
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Gandhi → write → guidance
The messages were later compiled in a book called, A Thought for the Day.
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messages → compile → Day
Dinesh Vazirani, co-founder of Saffronart, said the collection allowed people to see Gandhi "through the lens of a close, personal relationship".
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people → say → relationship
The notes were the highlight of Saffronart's "86-lot" auction, titled Gandhi: From the Collection of Anand T Hingorani.
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notes → title → Hingorani
The lot also included letters, manuscripts, photographs and personal objects preserved by the Hingorani family over generations.
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The collection spans more than two decades, documenting key moments in India's independence struggle as well as Gandhi's friendship with Hingorani.
"These reflections offer a rare insight into how Gandhi lived the principles he advocated publicly, making this an especially valuable record of his thought and practice," Vazirani said in a statement.
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Vazirani → span → statement
Saffronart has not disclosed the buyer's identity but said the notes would remain in India.
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notes → disclose → India
