Gandhi-Kallenbach documents on public display from today

, Jan 30:

's prized

on his controversial relationship with architect Hermann Kallenbach, which were bought by India for a whopping $1.28 million, will be on public display from Wednesday, which marked the 65th anniversary of the Mahatma's death.

The rich archive containing thousands of items related to Gandhi returned to India recently after the government bought it by signing a contract with London-based auctioneers Sotheby's.

An exhibition titled "Gandhi-Kallenbach Papers" will begin on Wednesday at the National Archives of India which will be inaugurated by Gandhi's grandson Gopalkrishna Gandhi.

It will be the first time that people will be able to view the collection at the National Archives and the exhibition is being launched on the anniversary of Gandhi's death.

The treasure trove consists of important documents that throw light on the early years of Gandhi. He lived with Kallenbach in Johannesburg for about two years from 1907 before leaving South Africa to return to India in 1914.

The archive includes several letters that throw fresh light on the controversial relationship between Gandhi and Kallenbach, one of the foremost associates and friends of Gandhi during his time in South Africa.

The archive includes "poignant letters" by the deeply troubled Harilal, Gandhi's first son, and reveals Kallenbach's deep friendship in particular with Gandhi's second son Manilal, who remained on Phoenix Settlement in South Africa, and his third son Ramdas.

PTI