Mahatma Gandhi’s Bowl & Cutlery To Be Auctioned In UK; Expected To Fetch Over ₹55 Lakhs

by Sanjana Shenoy
Mahatma Gandhi’s Bowl & Cutlery To Be Auctioned In UK; Expected To Fetch Over ₹55 Lakhs

“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win” This quote often mistakenly attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, is actually spoken by Nicholas Klein. However, this quote emulates Gandhi’s life perfectly. When the Britishers mocked his appearance and wondered how this man would rise against the Empire, he showed them how one man can make a difference. Today, his belongings will be auctioned in the UK and are expected to fetch over ₹55 lakhs. Time surely has changed.

Picture Credits: moneycontrol.com

Mahatma Gandhi’s Cutlery & Bowl Might Fetch Over ₹2 Crores In The UK Auction

Pieces of Gandhi’s heirlooms have continued to attract collectors, both institutions and individuals, throughout the world. Now, a small, rusted metal bowl (Katori), two wooden spoons and a wooden fork, which were once used by Mahatma Gandhi would be auctioned in Bristol, the United Kingdom on January 10, 2021. The opening price of GBP 55,000 which, after adding auctioneer’s commission, GST, insurance, freight and Indian customs duty on import of antique items would all add up to a whopping ₹1.2 crores!

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Picture Credits: heraldscotland.com

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However, if you have thought that it is the maximum, you are wrong. This is actually the auctioneer’s low estimate, the higher estimate being GBP 80,000 or nearly ₹2 crores. Since these items are rare, as they were used by Gandhi, they are expected to fetch higher. It is also good that these items are in excellent condition. It comes from the collection of one-time shipping magnate Sumati Morarjee, a well-known devotee of Mahatma Gandhi. Meanwhile here are few unusual temples in India that you must visit. 

Gandhi’s Cutlery Includes A Wooden Fork & Spoons

As per East Bristol Auctioneer’s catalogue, “The set was used by Gandhi during his incarceration at Aga Khan Palace in Pune (1942-1944) and at the Palm Bun House in Mumbai. The bowl of simple metal construction, stamped 208/42 to base, with a scalloped form leading to a flat base (approx. 21cm diameter). The cutlery comprising a wooden fork and two carved wooden spoons are also of a simple form, in the traditional manner (approx. 16cm long).” The catalogue further adds that these items were used daily by Gandhi and came originally from Sumati Morarjee, who was a friend and supporter. These items are also documented Sumati Morarjee Felicitation (1970) and also in Vithalbhai Jhaveri’s epic film biography ‘Gandhi’.