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Lot 74
 
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TWO WOMEN IN GANDHI‘S WORLD, 1934–1946

Mirabehn [Madeleine Slade] (1892–1982) and Rajkumari Amrit Kaur (1887–1964), writing on behalf of Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948)

Two letters written on behalf of Mahatma Gandhi to Anand T Hingorani, comprising Mirabehn's autograph letter, 5 April 1934, in English, communicating Gandhi's instructions to Hingorani and reporting on Gandhi's health; and Rajkumari Amrit Kaur's autograph postcard, Gandhi Camp, New Delhi, 19 April 1946, in Hindi, conveying Gandhi's blessings on Anand's marriage to Gangi.
Published/referenced in The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi, including Vol. 90, Letter No. 335, p. 277.

Retained within their original archival storage envelopes, annotated by Anand T Hingorani with contemporaneous cataloguing information, including the recipient, language, format, page count, signature, writing medium, date, serial number, and related archival references.

Mirabehn and Rajkumari Amrit Kaur Convey Gandhi's Counsel and Blessings to Anand Hingorani

This lot brings together two letters written on Gandhi's behalf by two of the closest women in his circle: Mirabehn and Rajkumari Amrit Kaur. Though neither is in Gandhi's own hand, both convey his instructions, blessings and concerns to Anand T Hingorani across a span of twelve years.

The earlier letter, written by Mirabehn on 5 April 1934, records Gandhi's instruction that Anand should "on no account" go to jail on 13 April, explaining that developments would soon become clear through the newspapers. It also reports on Gandhi's health, mentioning Dr Ansari's assessment, his reduced weight and proposed dietary changes, before closing with Mira's own note that she had been suffering from fever. Born Madeleine Slade, Mirabehn left Britain to join Gandhi and became one of his closest companions and disciples. Her letter reflects the trust Gandhi placed in her to communicate his instructions during an important moment in the freedom movement.

The second letter, a postcard written by Rajkumari Amrit Kaur from Gandhi Camp, New Delhi, on 19 April 1946, conveys Gandhi's blessings following Anand's marriage to Gangi, Vidya's sister. Amrit Kaur writes that "Pujya Bapu" has received Anand's telegram, wishes the couple happiness, hopes they will serve the country, and adds that marriage may improve Anand's hearing.

Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, Gandhi's close associate and secretary, later became independent India's first Health Minister. Her postcard reflects the close personal relationship between Gandhi's circle and the Hingorani family.

These letters show how Gandhi's instructions and personal messages were often conveyed through trusted associates. They offer a glimpse into the close-knit circle that surrounded him and the relationships through which both political direction and personal affection were communicated.

This lot will be shipped in "as is" condition. For further details, please refer to the images of individual lots as a reference for the condition of each lot.







  Lot 74 of 86  

GANDHI: FROM THE COLLECTION OF ANAND T HINGORANI - LETTERS, PHILATELY, MANUSCRIPTS AND ARTEFACTS
18 AUGUST 2026

Estimate



Winning Bid
Rs 21,60,000
$22,737

(Inclusive of Buyer's Premium)



 








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