Kohinoor Diamond Curse, Price, Weight, History, 25 Facts

Kohinoor Diamond

Kohinoor Diamond: A Gem of Magnificent History

The Kohinoor Diamond, one of the most famous and controversial gemstones in history, holds a profound legacy filled with splendor, conquest, and controversy. Its journey spans centuries, crossing continents and passing through the hands of rulers and empires. While it is admired for its brilliance and value, it is also shrouded in mystery and associated with a so-called curse. This article delves into the various aspects of the Kohinoor Diamond, exploring its origins, history, weight, worth, the legends surrounding its curse, and its current place in the world.

Origins and Early History of the Kohinoor Diamond

The name Kohinoor translates to “Mountain of Light” in Persian, which fittingly reflects its unmatched brilliance and historical significance. The origins of the diamond are believed to date back over 5,000 years, though its exact discovery remains a subject of debate. Many historians believe that the diamond was first mined in the Golconda mines of Southern India, renowned for producing some of the world’s finest diamonds.

The first historical reference to the Kohinoor appears in ancient Indian texts, where it was mentioned as a symbol of divine favor, power, and wealth. It is thought to have been part of the treasury of various Indian dynasties, starting with the Kakatiya Dynasty (1083–1323 AD). The Kohinoor was originally set in the eye of a deity in a Hindu temple in Warangal. It later came into the possession of the rulers of the Delhi Sultanate and, subsequently, the Mughal emperors, thus beginning a journey of conquest, intrigue, and bloodshed.

The Kohinoor Diamond is one of the most famous and controversial gems in the world. With its rich history and significance tied to Punjab, it has become a symbol of India’s cultural heritage and the historical wounds of colonialism. The Kohinoor, often referred to as the “Mountain of Light,” has passed through the hands of several rulers and empires, all of whom coveted its exceptional beauty and value.

Origins and Early History in Punjab

The exact origin of the Kohinoor diamond is shrouded in legend and mystery, but it is generally believed to have been mined from the Golconda region in southern India, which was famous for producing large, high-quality diamonds. The first recorded mention of the diamond dates back to 1306 when it was said to have been part of a larger gem looted by the Khilji dynasty from a Rajput ruler in northern India.

The Kohinoor entered Punjab’s history when it came into the possession of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire, in the early 19th century. Ranjit Singh, also known as the “Lion of Punjab,” was one of the most powerful rulers in the region, and the Kohinoor symbolized his dominance and the might of his kingdom.

The diamond was initially taken by the Mughal Emperor Babur when he invaded northern India in the early 16th century, and it passed through the hands of various Mughal rulers before being seized by the Persian conqueror Nader Shah in 1739. After Nader Shah’s assassination, the diamond changed ownership multiple times, ultimately being acquired by the rulers of Afghanistan. The Afghan king, Shah Shuja Durrani, eventually lost the Kohinoor to Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1813 after he sought refuge in Punjab, solidifying the diamond’s association with the Sikh Empire.

The Kohinoor Under Ranjit Singh

For Ranjit Singh, the Kohinoor was more than just a diamond; it was a symbol of his kingdom’s prestige and power. He had it encrusted into his throne, known as the Takht-e-Taus, and wore it proudly during significant events. The diamond became a physical representation of his empire’s wealth and grandeur.

Ranjit Singh’s reign over Punjab marked a golden age, as he unified various factions and protected the region from external invasions. The Kohinoor, like his kingdom, was a source of pride for the people of Punjab. Upon his death in 1839, however, the Sikh Empire began to weaken, leading to a series of Anglo-Sikh wars with the British Empire.

British Acquisition

The fate of the Kohinoor dramatically changed after the British defeat of the Sikh Empire in the Second Anglo-Sikh War of 1849. As part of the Treaty of Lahore, the British annexed Punjab, and the young heir to the throne, Maharaja Duleep Singh, was forced to cede the Kohinoor to Queen Victoria. The transfer of the diamond to the British crown was seen as an immense loss for Punjab and India as a whole, symbolizing the end of the Sikh Empire and the broader subjugation of India under British colonial rule.

The Kohinoor was shipped to England, where it was presented to Queen Victoria. Upon her instruction, the diamond was recut in 1852 to enhance its brilliance, though this process significantly reduced its size. The Kohinoor was incorporated into the British crown jewels, where it remains to this day. It was later set into the crown of Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary, and finally Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Today, the diamond is part of the Crown Jewels housed in the Tower of London.

Controversies and Claims of Ownership

The Kohinoor has been at the center of international disputes for decades. India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and even Iran have all laid claim to the diamond, each asserting that it rightfully belongs to them based on historical ownership. The Indian government has made several formal requests for its return since gaining independence from Britain in 1947, but the British government has repeatedly declined, arguing that the diamond was legally acquired under the terms of the Treaty of Lahore.

For many in Punjab and India, the Kohinoor remains a potent symbol of colonial exploitation. The fact that the diamond, which once adorned the throne of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, now rests in the British crown is seen as a reminder of the brutal history of imperialism.

Legacy of the Kohinoor

The Kohinoor continues to captivate and spark debate due to its illustrious history, breathtaking beauty, and the complex questions of ownership surrounding it. For Punjab, its association with the Sikh Empire and Maharaja Ranjit Singh lends it a deep historical and cultural significance. It stands as a symbol of a lost empire, a golden age of Sikh rule, and the painful legacy of colonialism.

While the diamond may rest in Britain, the memories and emotions tied to it continue to resonate deeply in Punjab and across the Indian subcontinent.

The Mughals and the Kohinoor Diamond

One of the earliest confirmed owners of the Kohinoor was Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire in India. In his memoirs, the Baburnama, Babur references the diamond after he seized it from Ibrahim Lodi at the Battle of Panipat in 1526. Babur’s description of the diamond, although slightly exaggerated, highlights its value, noting that it was worth enough to feed the world for several days.

The diamond continued to reside with the Mughal emperors and became an integral part of their treasure. It was eventually placed in the renowned Peacock Throne of Shah Jahan, the builder of the Taj Mahal, where it became the focal point of royal displays of wealth. However, the Mughal Empire’s decline in the 18th century led to the Kohinoor’s disappearance and subsequent reappearance in the possession of new rulers.

Nader Shah and the Persian Conquest

The most dramatic chapter in the Kohinoor’s history occurred in 1739, when Nader Shah, the ruler of Persia (modern-day Iran), invaded India. After sacking Delhi, Nader Shah seized the Kohinoor along with other treasures. According to legend, it was Nader Shah who gave the diamond its present name, “Koh-i-Noor,” when he first saw its brilliance.

Nader Shah’s conquests led to the Kohinoor’s migration from India to Persia. However, his assassination in 1747 resulted in the diamond passing into the hands of his successors, and eventually, it was acquired by Ahmad Shah Durrani, the founder of the Afghan Empire. The diamond would remain in Afghanistan for several decades, caught up in a web of intrigue, politics, and war.

The Sikh Empire and Maharaja Ranjit Singh

By the early 19th century, the Kohinoor had found its way back to India, this time in the possession of the Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He acquired the diamond after defeating the Afghan ruler Shah Shuja Durrani, who had sought refuge in Punjab. Ranjit Singh became one of the most celebrated rulers of India, and the Kohinoor was the most valuable jewel in his treasury.

Ranjit Singh’s reign marked a period of relative peace and prosperity in Punjab, and the Kohinoor once again symbolized power and prestige. Upon Ranjit Singh’s death in 1839, however, the stability of the Sikh Empire began to crumble, setting the stage for the diamond’s transfer to its most famous owners — the British.

The British Empire and the Kohinoor Diamond

Following a series of Anglo-Sikh wars, the British East India Company annexed the Punjab in 1849. As part of the terms of surrender, the ten-year-old Maharaja Duleep Singh, the last ruler of the Sikh Empire, was forced to hand over the Kohinoor Diamond to the British. The diamond was then sent to Britain as a symbol of the Company’s victory.

Upon its arrival in London, the Kohinoor was presented to Queen Victoria in 1850, who had it displayed at the Great Exhibition in 1851. Although it was praised for its size, the diamond’s original cut was considered unsatisfactory, as it did not sparkle as much as other diamonds. Consequently, Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s consort, had the diamond recut to enhance its brilliance. The Kohinoor, after being recut, weighed approximately 105.6 carats, down from its original estimated weight of 186 carats.

The Kohinoor was later set in the crowns of British queens, beginning with Queen Victoria herself. It has since been passed down through the generations and currently resides in the Crown of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, on display at the Tower of London.

Weight and Price of the Kohinoor Diamond

As mentioned, the Kohinoor Diamond originally weighed 186 carats before it was recut by Prince Albert’s orders. Its current weight is 105.6 carats, and it remains one of the largest cut diamonds in the world. Although it is difficult to assign an exact monetary value to the Kohinoor, given its historical significance and rarity, estimates have placed its worth in the billions of dollars.

Some experts suggest that the Kohinoor could be valued at over $1 billion due to its provenance and legendary status, though this is speculative as the diamond has never been sold in modern times. Its value goes beyond mere carats; it is a symbol of imperial power and legacy, which elevates its worth far beyond its material value.

The Curse of the Kohinoor Diamond

One of the most enduring and mysterious aspects of the Kohinoor Diamond is the legend of its curse. The curse is believed to bring misfortune and death to any man who possesses it, while women are exempt from its malevolent influence. This belief stems from the turbulent history of the diamond, as many of its male owners, including rulers of India, Persia, and Afghanistan, suffered tragic fates or met violent deaths.

The curse was famously recorded in a Hindu text, which allegedly states: “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.” While there is no scientific basis for the curse, the legend persists, largely due to the dramatic history of the Kohinoor and the fate of those who have held it.

It is interesting to note that since the Kohinoor became part of the British royal family’s collection, only female members of the family have worn it. Queen Victoria, Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary, and Queen Elizabeth have all worn the Kohinoor in various crowns and jewelry pieces, seemingly unaffected by the alleged curse.

Kohinoor Diamond worth history — Kohinoor Diamond | Photo Credit: www.owlcation.com

Controversies and Calls for Repatriation

The Kohinoor’s ownership remains a deeply contentious issue. India, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan have all laid claim to the diamond at various points in modern history, citing its historical ties to their respective regions. The Indian government, in particular, has made repeated calls for the Kohinoor to be returned, viewing its acquisition by the British as a symbol of colonial exploitation and injustice.

However, the British government has consistently refused to return the diamond, arguing that it was legally obtained as part of the Treaty of Lahore, which formalized the British annexation of Punjab. The Kohinoor remains a point of diplomatic tension between India and the UK, with many Indians regarding its continued possession by the British royal family as a relic of colonialism.

Current Location and Legacy of the Kohinoor

Today, the Kohinoor Diamond is part of the British Crown Jewels and is housed in the Tower of London, where it is on public display. It is set in the crown of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, which was last worn during the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Despite its secure location, the diamond continues to be a source of fascination and controversy, with its legacy living on in popular culture, literature, and diplomacy.

In terms of its symbolism, the Kohinoor represents the complex history of British colonialism in India and the broader question of cultural restitution. It has come to embody the power struggles of empires, the beauty and allure of gemstones, and the darker side of human ambition.

Conclusion

The Kohinoor Diamond is more than just a rare and valuable gemstone. Its story is woven into the fabric of Indian, Persian, Afghan, and British history, carrying with it the weight of empires and the tales of rulers who sought to possess it. From its early days in the Golconda mines to its current place in the British Crown Jewels, the Kohinoor remains a symbol of power, prestige, and controversy.

FAQs

What is the Kohinoor diamond?
- The Kohinoor, meaning “Mountain of Light” in Persian, is one of the largest and most famous cut diamonds in the world.
Where was the Kohinoor diamond found?
- It was most likely found in southern India between 1100 and 1300.
How much does the Kohinoor diamond weigh?
- The diamond originally weighed 186 carats but was later recut to 105.6 carats.
What is the significance of the Kohinoor diamond?
- The Kohinoor has a rich history and is part of the British Crown Jewels, symbolizing power and prestige.
Why is the Kohinoor diamond controversial?
- Several countries, including India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, have claimed ownership of the diamond, leading to ongoing debates about its rightful home.
How did the Kohinoor diamond come to be in British possession?
- The diamond was acquired by the British East India Company in 1849 and presented to Queen Victoria.
What is the history of the Kohinoor diamond?
- The diamond has a storied past, passing through the hands of various rulers and empires, including the Mughals, Persians, and Afghans.
Is the Kohinoor diamond cursed?
- There are legends that the Kohinoor brings bad luck to its male owners, though this is likely a myth.
What is the current setting of the Kohinoor diamond?
- The Kohinoor is set in the front of the crown made for Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
Has the Kohinoor diamond been recut?
- Yes, it was recut in 1852 by Garrard of London to enhance its brilliance.
What is the origin of the name ‘Kohinoor’?
- The name is Persian and translates to “Mountain of Light”.
What are some myths about the Kohinoor diamond?
- One myth is that it is the largest diamond in the world, but it is actually the 90th largest.
What is the cultural significance of the Kohinoor diamond in India?
- The diamond is deeply embedded in Indian history and culture, often seen as a symbol of the country’s rich heritage.
Who were some of the notable owners of the Kohinoor diamond?
- Notable owners include Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, Persian ruler Nader Shah, and Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Durrani.
What is the current value of the Kohinoor diamond?
- The exact value is difficult to determine due to its historical significance, but it is considered priceless.
Why do some people believe the Kohinoor is cursed?
- The belief in the curse stems from the misfortunes that befell many of its male owners.
What is the Kohinoor diamond’s role in the British Crown Jewels?
- It is one of the most prominent jewels in the British Crown Jewels, often displayed in the Tower of London.
Has there been any legal action to reclaim the Kohinoor diamond?
- Various legal and diplomatic efforts have been made by countries like India to reclaim the diamond, but none have been successful so far.
What is the historical significance of the Kohinoor diamond?
- The diamond has witnessed centuries of history, including wars, conquests, and royal intrigues.
Can the Kohinoor diamond be seen by the public?
- Yes, it is on public display as part of the British Crown Jewels in the Tower of London.

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