The Diamond's Pilgrimage

The Kohinoor diamond has a rich and fascinating history that spans over multiple centuries and regions. Here's a brief overview of its journey.

1. Origins in India

The exact origins of the Kohinoor are unclear, but it is believed to have been mined in India, possibly in the Golconda mines of present-day Andhra Pradesh. The diamond's history dates back to at least the 14th century.

Around 1304, the diamond went to the kings of Malwa and stayed with them up till 1306 when they were forced to give it to the Kakatiya Empire of Orugallu.

Between 1323 and 1339 the diamond remained with the Delhi Sultanate under Alauddin Khilji and then Muhammad bin Tughlaq, after which it was sent to Samarkand where it stayed for the next 300 years

2. In the Mughal Empire

In 1526 when Babur won the battle of panipat, he sent his son Humayun to the treasure of the lodhi dynasty from there the diamond was passed on to Babur.

Then Kohinoor became the part of Mughal treasure and adorned the Peacock Throne of Shah Jahan. It was passed down through several Mughal emperors.

3. Nadir Shah's Invasion

In 1739, Nader Shah defeated the Mughal Empire and took their treasure, including a diamond, into his possession. He carried the diamond with him to Persia . At this time, he renamed the jewel as "Kohinoor," which means mountain of light.

After Nader Shah's assassination in 1747, the diamond came under the care of his general, Ahmad Shah Durrani.

4. Return to India - Maharaja Ranjit Singh

Later on, the diamond was passed down to Ahmad Shah Durrani's descendants until Shah Shuja , the governor of Kashmir gave it to Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder and leader of the Sikh Empire in the early 19th century.

In exchange, Ranjit Singh helped Shah Shuja get back the throne of Afghanistan.

5. British East India Company

After the Second Anglo-Sikh War in 1849, the British East India Company gained control of the Punjab region, and the Kohinoor was transferred to the British as part of the Treaty of Lahore.

The diamond was shipped to Britain on a ship where cholera broke out and supposedly the keeper of the diamond lost it for some days and it was returned to him by his servant.

The diamond was handed to Queen Victoria in July 1850.

6. British Crown Jewel

In 1851, the Kohinoor was presented to Queen Victoria and was recut to enhance its brilliance. It became part of the British Crown Jewels and was set in a tiara worn by Queen Alexandra and later by Queen Mary.

7. Exhibitions and Display

The Kohinoor has been displayed in various exhibitions, including the Great Exhibition in London in 1851 and the 1937 coronation exhibition.

Current Status

The Kohinoor remains part of the British Crown Jewels and is on display in the Tower of London. There have been ongoing debates and discussions regarding the rightful ownership and potential repatriation of the diamond to India, but no official change in its ownership has occurred.

Fun facts

Name Meaning:

"Kohinoor" is a Persian word that translates to "Mountain of Light."

Size and Weight:

The original uncut Kohinoor diamond was much larger than today's polished gem. It weighed around 793 carats.

Reputed Curse:

Legend has it that the Kohinoor carries a curse, and only a male can wear it safely. This belief stems from historical incidents where several prominent female owners met tragic fates.