**Historic Portrait of Gandhi Fetches Over $200,000 at Auction**

**An oil portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, created in 1931, has captured global attention following its recent auction in London, where it sold for over $200,000, much higher than the expected range.**

A historic oil painting of Mahatma Gandhi, the prominent leader of the Indian independence movement, has been sold for £152,800 ($204,648) at Bonhams auction house in London. This remarkable sale surpassed the initial estimate of between £50,000 and £70,000, highlighting the portrait's significance.

Painted by British artist Clare Leighton in 1931, the portrait captures Gandhi during his visit to London for the second Round Table Conference, which aimed at negotiating India’s constitutional reforms. According to Bonhams, this painting is believed to be the only oil portrait for which Gandhi sat.

Gandhi's influence through his philosophy of non-violent resistance against colonial rule has resonated worldwide, leading many to regard him as the "father of the nation" in India. Clare Leighton was granted unique access to Gandhi, allowing her to create multiple sittings for the artwork, which she retained in her collection until her passing in 1989.

Following her death, the painting was bequeathed to her family, who have now placed it on the auction block. The identity of the new owner remains undisclosed, as does the future of the painting in terms of public display.