What is the story of Kohinoor (Koh-i-Noor) Diamond?
The Koh-i-Noor Diamond, often referred to as the "Mountain of Light," has a rich, complex, and contentious history that spans thousands of years.
Origin and Early History
The Koh-i-Noor is believed to have originated from the Golconda mines in India, with its history dating back over a thousand years. The exact place of its discovery is unclear, but it is mentioned in historical texts as belonging to various Indian rulers, including the Rajas of Malwa and the Kakatiya dynasty as early as 130634.
Mughal Empire
The first verified mention of the diamond appears in the writings of Mughal ruler Babur, who acquired it after defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the first battle of Panipat. The diamond then passed through several Mughal emperors, including Shah Jahan, who incorporated it into his famous Peacock Throne in 1628. Shah Jahan's grandsons and heirs fought over the throne, and the diamond changed hands several times within the Mughal dynasty134.
Persian and Sikh Possession
In 1739, the Persian ruler Nader Shah conquered Delhi and took the Koh-i-Noor, along with other Mughal jewels, back to Persia. After Nader Shah's assassination, the diamond passed to one of his generals, Ahmad Shah Durrani. It later returned to India when Shah Shuja Durrani, a descendant of Ahmad Shah, gave it to Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire in Punjab134.
British Acquisition
The British acquired the Koh-i-Noor during the Second Anglo-Sikh War. In 1849, the 11-year-old Duleep Singh, the last Indian sovereign to own the diamond, was coerced into signing the Treaty of Lahore, which required him to surrender the kingdom of Punjab and the Koh-i-Noor to the British. The diamond was then taken to England and showcased to the public. Due to its uncut appearance, Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, ordered it to be polished, reducing its weight to 105.6 carats134.
Controversy and Claims of Ownership
The acquisition of the Koh-i-Noor by the British is highly controversial, with many countries, including India, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, claiming it was illegitimately taken during the colonial era. The British government maintains that its possession is legitimate under the Treaty of Lahore14.
The Curse
The Koh-i-Noor is also shrouded in a legend of a curse, which states that "He who owns this diamond will own the world, but will also know all its misfortunes. Only God, or a woman, can wear it with impunity." This curse is believed to have originated from a Hindu text and is supported by the violent and tragic fates of many male rulers who possessed the diamond. Since its arrival in Britain, the diamond has only been worn by female members of the royal family24.
Current Status
Today, the Koh-i-Noor is part of the British Crown Jewels, displayed in the Tower of London, attracting millions of visitors each year. Despite its controversial history, the British use the diamond ethically by allowing public viewing and exhibiting its past and legacy14.
The Koh-i-Noor's journey is marked by its role as a symbol of power, prestige, and the tumultuous history of the regions through which it has passed.