At an online auction in the United Kingdom, Mahatma Gandhi's personal items, including his wooden sandals and what is said to be the final photograph of him taken alive, are slated to fetch more than half a million pounds. In total, 70 of the renowned figure's belongings are for sale.
Let's take a look at some of the auction objects, their significance, and the estimated sale price:
According to the auction page, Gandhi was given this one-of-a-kind handcrafted garland necklace on the first day of the iconic Salt March, March 12, 1930.
It is expected to fetch between 6,000-8,000 pounds.
The Salt March, also known as the Dandi March and the Dandi Satyagraha, was a peaceful civil disobedience movement spearheaded by Mahatma Gandhi. The twenty-four-day march (from March 12 to April 6, 1930) was a peaceful protest against the British salt monopoly.
(Image courtesy: East Bristol Auctions)
(Photograph:Others)
A previously unseen photograph of Gandhi was shot in 1947 at Birla House, New Delhi, which, according to the auction house was taken by either his personal physician Doctor Kanuga or his wife Nandubahen. Gandhi resided at the mansion for 144 days until he was assassinated there on January 30th, 1948.
The estimated value is between 400-600 pounds.
He is seated in a little black and white image, possibly holding a spinning wheel or other wooden tool. He is dressed traditionally in a cap and linen robe. 'Gandhiji, 1947, Birla House,' is inscribed on the back of the photograph.
(Image courtesy: East Bristol Auctions)
(Photograph:Others)
There are also two pairs of his personally handmade and worn sandals up for grabs. As a man of simplicity Gandhi frequently made his own shoes and clothes.
According to the auction page, these were made by Gandhi in the 1940s.
Each pair is expected to sell for between 15,000 and 25,000 pounds.
(Image courtesy: East Bristol Auctions)
(Photograph:Others)