Mahatma Gandhi: India independence leader's oil portrait to be auctioned in London

The auction house Bonhams says this is "thought to be the only oil portrait that Gandhi actually sat for".

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Gandhi led a non-violent resistance movement against British rule in India and his teachings have inspired millions. Most Indians revere him as the "father of the nation".

Over the years, several paintings, drawings and sketches of him have circulated around the world.

The auction house Bonhams says the painting, made by British artist Clare Leighton, is "thought to be the only oil portrait that Gandhi actually sat for".

The portrait was made when Gandhi went to London in 1931 for the second Round Table conference, held to discuss constitutional reforms for India and address its demands for self-governance.