Gandhi handwritten notes sell for $1.69 million at Indian auction

A newly curated archive of Mahatma Gandhi’s correspondence and photographs has been opened to scholars and the public, offering a comprehensive view of pivotal episodes in India’s independence struggle. The collection, assembled by the National Archives in collaboration with the Gandhi Memorial Trust, comprises original letters, speeches, and contemporaneous news clippings that trace the evolution of Gandhi’s non‑violent campaigns from the 1919 Rowlatt Satyagraha to the 1947 Partition negotiations.

In addition to documenting major political milestones, the archive sheds light on Gandhi’s personal interactions with his closest aide, Mahadev Desai, revealing intimate exchanges that influenced strategic decisions and daily routines. Curators note that the material provides unprecedented insight into the collaborative dynamics that underpinned the movement, enriching historical understanding of both public actions and private relationships. The exhibition will remain on display through the end of the year, inviting further research and public engagement with this formative period.