India, July 16 -- A rare oil painting of Indian freedom-fighting icon Mahatma Gandhi was sold for a massive 152,800 pounds, approximately Rs 1.7 crore, during an auction hosted by Bonhams in London.

British artist Clare Leighton's "Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi" during the online sales by the Travel and Exploration online sale.

"We have found no documentation to corroborate this event, but the painting shows signs of restoration to what appears to be repaired tears in several places. A label attached to the backing board confirms that the painting was restored in 1974 by the Lyman Allyn Museum Conservation Laboratory, which adds some validity to the family's story," the statement said.

According to the website, artist Clare Leighton was i...