The Kohinoor diamond, one of the most famous and controversial gems in the world, has a storied history that spans centuries, continents, and empires. From its likely origins in the Golconda mines of southern India to its current placement in the British Crown Jewels, the Kohinoor has been a symbol of power, conquest, and legacy. This article explores the fascinating journey of the Kohinoor, highlighting its historical significance, political implications, and the continuing debate over its rightful ownership.
Origins in India: The Golconda Mines
The exact date of the Kohinoor’s discovery remains uncertain, but most historians agree that it was mined from the Kollur Mine in the Golconda region (modern-day Andhra Pradesh, India) between the 12th and 14th centuries. The diamond is thought to have originally weighed over 186 carats in its uncut form. Golconda was renowned in antiquity for producing some of the world’s most exceptional diamonds, and the Kohinoor quickly became associated with Indian royalty.
The Early Dynasties and the Mughal Empire
The diamond first appears in historical records during the reign of the Kakatiya dynasty. It is believed to have adorned a deity in a South Indian temple before being seized during military conquests. By the early 16th century, the Kohinoor had entered the treasury of the Delhi Sultanate. It later became part of the Mughal Empire’s treasures when Babur, the founder of the Mughal dynasty in India, acquired it after defeating Ibrahim Lodi at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526.
The Mughals valued the diamond for its brilliance and symbolism. Emperor Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal, had it placed in the Peacock Throne, a spectacular symbol of Mughal opulence. The Persian chronicler Muhammad Kazim described the diamond as an “eye-blinding brilliance.” During this era, the diamond was referred to by different names and was the centerpiece of Mughal imperial prestige.
Persian Invasion: Nadir Shah and the Kohinoor’s First Departure
In 1739, Persian ruler Nadir Shah invaded the Mughal Empire and plundered Delhi. The Peacock Throne, along with the Kohinoor, was taken back to Persia as part of the spoils of war. It was during this time that the diamond was reportedly named “Koh-i-Noor,” Persian for “Mountain of Light.” The name highlighted the diamond’s significance and grandeur in Persian eyes.
However, after Nadir Shah’s assassination in 1747, the diamond fell into the hands of his general Ahmad Shah Durrani, who later became the founder of the Durrani Empire in Afghanistan. The Kohinoor was thus carried into Afghan territory, continuing its journey as a spoil of war and emblem of dominance.
The Sikh Empire and Maharaja Ranjit Singh
The diamond returned to the Indian subcontinent in the early 19th century when it came into the possession of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire. Ranjit Singh acquired the Kohinoor from Shah Shuja Durrani, the deposed Afghan ruler, in exchange for military protection and asylum.
Ranjit Singh’s reign marked a brief but significant chapter in the diamond’s history. He wore the Kohinoor with pride, and it became a part of Sikh regalia. Upon his death in 1839, Ranjit Singh reportedly willed the diamond to the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. However, the British, who had begun consolidating power in India, intervened to prevent this transfer.
British Annexation and the Diamond’s Seizure
Following the annexation of Punjab in 1849 after the Second Anglo-Sikh War, the British East India Company took possession of the Kohinoor under the Treaty of Lahore. The diamond was presented to Queen Victoria as a token of submission from the conquered Sikh Empire.
The diamond was transported to England and publicly displayed at the Great Exhibition in London in 1851. However, its dull and uncut appearance failed to impress British audiences, prompting Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s consort, to have it re-cut by Dutch lapidaries. This process reduced its weight from 186 carats to 105.6 carats, but enhanced its brilliance.
Incorporation into the British Crown Jewels
After being re-cut, the Kohinoor was set into various royal pieces, including brooches and crowns. It was prominently displayed in the crown worn by Queen Alexandra in 1902, and later in the crowns of Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother). Today, the Kohinoor is set in the crown made for Queen Elizabeth for her coronation in 1937 and remains on display in the Tower of London as part of the British Crown Jewels.
The diamond has become a symbol of the British monarchy’s historical global reach, but also a focal point of post-colonial critique. Despite being one of the most viewed and revered objects in the Tower of London, the diamond’s acquisition remains mired in ethical and historical controversy.
The Ongoing Debate on Ownership
Over the years, India, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan have all laid claim to the Kohinoor, asserting historical and cultural rights over the diamond. The Indian government has repeatedly requested its return, stating that it was taken illegally during colonial rule. British authorities, however, maintain that the diamond was obtained legally under the Treaty of Lahore.
Public opinion in India and among heritage activists worldwide has often leaned in favor of repatriation. The issue resurfaced in 2016 when the Indian government told the Supreme Court that it would not seek the diamond’s return, only to later revise its stance following public backlash.
The controversy also brings up broader questions about the restitution of artifacts taken during colonial times. The Kohinoor, in this light, is not just a jewel but a powerful symbol of imperial history, injustice, and the unresolved legacies of colonialism.
Cultural Significance and Legacy
Beyond legalities and ownership debates, the Kohinoor holds immense cultural and symbolic significance. It has featured in books, documentaries, and films, often representing the intertwined histories of colonial conquest and native resistance. For many, the diamond’s brilliance is overshadowed by the historical pain and pride it evokes.
The Kohinoor’s story also reflects the broader narrative of cultural treasures that have moved across borders due to war, conquest, and diplomacy. It stands as a reminder of the wealth and sophistication of pre-colonial Indian civilizations and the often exploitative nature of colonial expansion.
A Diamond With a Thousand Facets
The journey of the Kohinoor diamond is emblematic of the tumultuous histories of empires, colonialism, and cultural identity. From the mines of Golconda to the British Crown, the Kohinoor has passed through the hands of rulers, warriors, and monarchs, each leaving their mark on its story. While it now rests securely within the British Crown Jewels, the debates surrounding its rightful ownership continue to provoke strong emotions and international discourse.
Also read: Dwarka: Unveiling the Myth, History, and Mysteries of Krishna’s Golden City
Whether viewed as a spoils of war or a priceless cultural artifact, the Kohinoor remains one of the most compelling symbols of human history — glittering not just with light, but with meaning, memory, and controversy.
