Mahatma Gandhi: Oil portrait of Indian independence leader sold for more than $200,000

Auctioneers in London say it's thought to be the only oil portrait the Indian independence leader sat for.

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The figure is much higher than the £50,000-£70,000 that auction house Bonhams had estimated the work might fetch. It was painted in 1931 by British artist Clare Leighton when Gandhi visited London.

Bonhams said the painting is thought to be the only oil portrait Gandhi sat for.

He 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".

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.