Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
leader of India during the Indian independence movement, 1869-1948
Gandhi was the preeminent leader of the Indian independence movement in British-ruled India. Employing nonviolent civil disobedience, Gandhi led India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. On 30 January 1948, a Hindu nationalist, assassinated Gandhi on 30 January 1948 by firing three bullets into his chest at point-blank range. Indians widely describe Gandhi as the father of the nation. His birthday, 2 October, is commemorated as Gandhi Jayanti, a national holiday, and world-wide as the International Day of Nonviolence.
Source: Wikipedia
Führer der indischen Unabhängigkeitsbewegung (1869-1948). Autograph letter draft. O. O. 1 S. 8vo.
$ 19,497 / 18.500 €
(44223/BN30305)
Written on the reverse side of a portion of a 1946 letter written to Gandhi from a young Western follower, George Mammen. Gandhi has penned some closely-written notes - clearly a draft for a letter. He writes, in fountain pen ink: "Our India will have need of you. You have had your training. You will give India the benefit of that training. It would be sad only if after the trials and suffering ["of war" stricken out] that our soldiers have been through, they forget the lessons of their eyes, the moment the peril is lifted.
But one thing you should remember, under national Govt, you won't be pampered. You won't have all those lavish remunerations and privileges which a foreign Govt. bribed you with at the expense of India. India is destitute. You can serve her only by showing her destitution and poverty. Otherwise you will earn not the gratitude but the execration of your country. [Now writing at the top of the page:] You will, I know, fully share in this freedom, only to breathe the air of freedom with your countrymen". - Somewhat wrinkled and dust-soiled; small pinhead-sized holes on top..
leader of India during the Indian independence movement (1869-1948). Series of nine letters, notes and cards. [Sabermati Ashram]. Chiefly 12mo. Altogether 10 pages on 9 ff.
$ 68,504 / 65.000 €
(79707/BN51792)
Series of nine letters, notes and cards (all in Gujarati), eight to Jamnabehn and one to Yashwant Prasad, comprising two autograph letters signed, three autograph cards signed, and four cards signed in pencil, discussing Gandhi's diet and health, refusing the offer of a blanket ("one that I have is enough"), and expressing his concern about Yashwant Prasad's heart condition: "Don’t worry about me. I take all the precautions necessary. God is there to take care of all of us. Before the Almighty we are helpless, worrying causes unnecessary problems [...]" (transl.).
Jamnabehn, a member of the extended Gandhi clan, was an active weaver of khadi on the charkha and worked alongside Dadabhai Naroji's grandchildren Perin Ben Captain and Khrushed Behn. Most of these letters date from 1926, when Gandhi was living in self-imposed withdrawal from the public world at Sabarmati and experimenting with a diet of fruit. - Small burn holes to two letters, nicks and tears at edges; browned..
leader of India during the Indian independence movement (1869-1948). Autograph letter signed ("Bapu"). No place. 30.01.1935. Small 8vo (120 x 82 mm). 1 p.
$ 15,809 / 15.000 €
(82586/BN53760)
In Gujarati to his friend Behramhi Khambhatta: "I hope you are now improving. You must give up your attachment to Bombay. Be content with what God has given you. Are you likely to find any difficulty in living in Poona? Do let me know" (transl.). - Brownstained, stamped "6607".
leader of India during the Indian independence movement (1869-1948). Autograph letter signed ("Bapu"). N. p. 8vo. ½ p.
$ 6,850 / 6.500 €
(91557/BN60878)
In Gujarati, to his friend Behram Navroji Khambatta, added as a postcript to a letter by his secretary Mahadev Desai to the same addressee: "I am glad you wrote. I was wondering why there was no letter from you. Endure the ulcer cheerfully as gift from God [...]" (transl.). - Stamped "7561" and marked in pencil "CW 5036". Slightly browned and stained. Tracs of folds.