Following closely on the heels of the news that the Chinese bronzes from the old Summer Palace were to be auctioned and not returned to China, comes the news of another controversial auction. This time the auction contains Mahatma Gandhi’s glasses, sandals, pocket watch, bowl and plate. In a story that’s unfolding with remarkably similar details, the owner, James Otis, has offered to return these items in exchange for “wider commitment to improve the lives of India’s people”.
As with Pierre Berge’s demands in the Chinese bronzes case, this has brought about outrage from the Indian community, demanding the return to India of Gandhi’s personal effects. Unlike, the Chinese bronzes which were looted from China, Gandhi gave these personal effects to various friends and relatives, who eventually sold them and they wound up legally with James Otis, the current owner, so there’s no legal precedence for a court case. India has already said they may be bidders at the auction to acquire the glasses back. The items are estimated to worth around $42,000, but are expected to fetch more at auction.
Although the individuals who own these treasures are willing to trade them for concessions from each government, the likelihood than any sovereign government would adhere to the demands of a single person is extremely unlikely (and equated to blackmail by some). I also heard on the radio this morning, that Gandhi’s great-grandson, Tushar Gandhi, has already called James Otis’ demands ridiculous. Already knowing the outcome of the Chinese story, it will be interesting to see the outcome of this auction story.
