Ammon News - A rare oil painting of Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, believed to have been damaged by a Hindu nationalist activist, is to be auctioned in July.

Gandhi, one of the most influential figures in India's history who led a non-violent movement against British rule and inspired similar resistance campaigns across the world, is the subject of tens of thousands of artworks, books and films.

But a 1931 painting by British-American artist Clare Leighton is believed to be the only oil portrait he sat for, according to the painter's family who have had the painting since it was created. AFP