Mahatma Gandhi's iconic round eye glasses and other personal belongings, sold for $1.8 million (Rs 9.3 crore) at an auction here, fetched a whopping $296,000 (Rs 1.53 crore) in commission, according to Antiquorum Auctioneers.
A day after the precious articles went under the hammer, the auction house announced that Gandhi's pocket watch, sandals, glasses, bowl and plate were "indisputably" the star attraction at the auction and fetched a total of $2.096 million, commission included.
It said it was pleased that the objects -- bought by Indian liquor baron Vijay Mallya -- will be returning to India.
The bowl and plate, which came under the hammer, were used by Gandhi for his last meal.
"The sale of the spiritual and political leader of India's possessions had stirred worldwide interest and had been closely watched by collectors and supporters of Gandhi worldwide," Antiquorum Auctioneers Chairman Robert Maron said in a statement in New York last night.
Antiquorum also said it was pleased that the articles will be returning to India and "we know this was the hope of the Indian people, as well as many others around the world."
{{/usCountry}}Antiquorum also said it was pleased that the articles will be returning to India and "we know this was the hope of the Indian people, as well as many others around the world."
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