India In Talks About Auction Of Gandhi Belongings
NEW DELHI — There’s increasing pressure in India to prevent a New York auction of Mohandas Gandhi’s eyeglasses and other personal items and bring them back to India.
The Indian government is talking to the would-be auctioneers and a New Delhi court has issued an injunction against the auction.
Antiquorum Auctioneers says Gandhi’s trademark round eyeglasses, a pair of worn leather sandals, an inexpensive pocket watch and a simple brass bowl and plate will be sold as a single lot tomorrow. The estimated low bid ranges from $20,000 to $30,000.
An Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesman says talks have taken place over the past several days between India’s Consulate General in New York and Antiquorum Auctioneers. The spokesman didn’t give details.
