Kohinoor Diamond: History, Origin, Price, Curse

Kohinoor Diamond: The Koh-i-Noor, alternatively spelled as Koh-e-Noor, Kohinoor, and Koh-i-Nur, stands among the world’s most sizable cut diamonds, boasting a weight of 105.6 carats (21.12 grams).

The Kohinoor Diamond holds a unique and esteemed status in the world of gemstones, primarily attributed to its exceptional qualities and rich history. Weighing an impressive 105.6 carats (21.12 grams), it ranks among the largest diamonds globally, captivating observers with its substantial size.

In this article, We have covered The Complete History of the Kohinoor Diamond, its Origin, price, Curse, Current Owner, and many more.

Let’s dive right in.

Kohinoor Diamond Overview

The following is the overview of the Kohinoor Diamond:

Attribute	Details
Name	Koh-i-Noor
Weight	105.602 carats (21.1204 g)
Dimensions	3.6 cm (length), 3.2 cm (width), 1.3 cm (depth)
Color	D (colorless)
Type	Type IIa
Cut	Oval brilliant with 66 facets, cut by Levie Benjamin Voorzanger
Owner	Charles III in right of The Crown
Display Location	Jewel House at the Tower of London
Origin	Legends, earliest attested record from 1740s
Early History	Nader Shah looted it from Delhi in the 1740s
Cutting History	Original Mughal cut, re-cut in 1852 by Coster Diamonds under Prince Albert’s orders
Current Display	Set in the Crown of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother
Ownership Disputes	India, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Taliban have claimed ownership
Legal Status	British government insists it was obtained legally under the terms of the Last Treaty of Lahore

The Kohinoor is a famous diamond from India. It has a long history of over 500 years. The Kohinoor originally belonged to different royal families in South Asia. In 1849, after the British defeated the Sikhs, the Kohinoor diamond was given to Queen Victoria and the British royal family. Since then, it has been part of the British Crown Jewels. Today the Kohinoor diamond is displayed in the Tower of London.

However, India, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan believe the Kohinoor rightfully belongs to them based on its earlier history. But Britain insists they obtained the diamond legally and refuse to return it. So while the British royal family technically owns the Kohinoor diamond now, its ownership remains controversial because of its complex past.

History of Kohinoor Diamond

The following history of the Koh-i-Noor Diamond:

Pre-17th Century:

• Origin: The Koh-i-Noor, Persian for ‘Mountain of Light,’ is believed to have been mined in Golconda, India.
• Early Ownership: The diamond’s early history is unclear, but it is mentioned in the writings of Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, in the 16th century.

17th Century:

• Mughal Ownership: The diamond is part of the Mughal Empire’s treasury and is owned by rulers such as Babur and Shah Jahan.

18th Century:

• Nader Shah’s Invasion: In 1739, Persian ruler Nader Shah invades Delhi, loots treasures, and takes possession of the Koh-i-Noor.

18th Century – Early 19th Century:

• Changing Hands: The diamond passes through Persian and Afghan rulers’ hands, witnessing political upheavals in the region.

Early 19th Century:

• Ranjit Singh’s Acquisition: In 1813, Maharaja Ranjit Singh of the Sikh Empire acquires the Koh-i-Noor.

Mid-19th Century:

• British Annexation: After the Second Anglo-Sikh War in 1849, the British East India Company annexes the Punjab region, including the Koh-i-Noor.

1850:

• Transfer to Queen Victoria: The Koh-i-Noor is formally presented to Queen Victoria as part of the Treaty of Lahore, symbolizing the annexation.

1852:

• Re-Cutting: Under Prince Albert’s supervision, the diamond is re-cut to enhance its brilliance, reducing its size but increasing its sparkle.

20th Century:

• Crown Jewels: The Koh-i-Noor becomes part of the British Crown Jewels, housed in the Tower of London.

Ongoing:

• Ownership Disputes: India, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan have asserted claims to the Koh-i-Noor, demanding its return from the UK.
• Controversies: The diamond remains a subject of diplomatic controversy, with different countries expressing various claims and proposals for its ownership.

• The Kohinoor originated in India over 5000 years ago, likely discovered in the Golconda mines.
• It passed through various dynasties including the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughal Empire and the Persians. It was valued for its incredible size and mystical aura.
• In 1739, Persian ruler Nader Shah invaded India and acquired the Kohinoor, taking it back to Persia. After his death, it passed to the Afghan Durrani Empire.
• In 1813, the Sikh emperor Ranjit Singh took the Kohinoor from the Afghans. It was in Sikh hands until the British East India company defeated them in 1849.
• After the British victory, the Kohinoor was surrendered to Queen Victoria and became part of the Crown Jewels in 1850.
• To date, it remains in the Tower of London set in the Queen Mother’s crown, despite requests for its return by India, Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan.
• Weighing 105 carats, the Kohinoor is an oval-cut diamond known for its incredible brilliance and historical significance, though its ownership remains controversial.

Ownership of Kohinoor Diamond

• India has claimed ownership of the Kohinoor since it originated there centuries ago. The diamond was taken away from India during periods of conquest by Mughals, Persians, and later the British.
• Pakistan has also staked claim over the Kohinoor based on the argument that it was last possessed by the former Sikh empire located in present-day Pakistan.
• Iran has claimed the Kohinoor was stolen from its territory during the early 19th century by Sikh forces. So they argue for its return.
• Afghanistan has periodically demanded the return of Kohinoor to them, citing its taking by the Sikhs in 1813 after the assassination of Shah Shuja Durrani.
• The Taliban government of Afghanistan also demanded Kohinoor be repatriated during the 1990s.
• The British government has refused to entertain any claims over the Kohinoor citing it was legally ceded to Queen Victoria after the Anglo-Sikh Wars.
• Legal experts argue taking of Kohinoor did not necessarily violate laws during the 19th-century imperial era.
• Descendants of Ranjit Singh believe the Kohinoor was surrendered under duress and should thus be returned.
• UNESCO Convention prohibits the stealing of cultural property during times of war and occupation. But it does not apply retroactively.

Curse of Kohinoor Diamond

The Kohinoor diamond has long been shrouded in mystery and intrigue, its dazzling facets shadowed by a sinister reputation as a harbinger of misfortune. As the legendary gem passed through royal dynasties, tales of greed, death and despair marked its passage.

Myths whisper that the Kohinoor was stolen from the god Krishna and cursed by a Hindu priest after the brutal mutilation of its original owner. From the splendor of the Mughal empire to the conquests of the Persians and Afghans, the Kohinoor changed hands only through violence and bloodshed.

Even those who possessed the Kohinoor could not escape its curse. Some perished painfully, while others saw their dynasties collapse around them. As the Kohinoor made its way across continents, leaving chaos in its wake, its sinister aura only grew.

To this day, the Kohinoor remains tainted by its dark legends. Embedded in the British crown jewels, the diamond’s flawed past is not forgotten. Its mesmerizing fire seems to hypnotize and corrupt all who would claim ownership over it. As if whispering a grim warning, the Kohinoor’s beauty masks an underlying menace for any who would dare possess it.

Price of Kohinoor Diamond

The following is the price specification of kohinoor Dimond:

• Weight: Originally around 186 carats, the Kohinoor Diamond holds an extraordinary place in history.
• Value: Considered the world’s most expensive diamond, with an estimated price tag of around USD 20 billion.

Kohinoor Diamond in Indian rupees are the following:

• Monetary Significance: Its value surpasses the GDP of numerous nations, currently standing at a staggering INR 1.64 lakh crore.

Myths about the Kohinoor Diamond.

• Cursed stone – There is a myth that the Kohinoor carries a curse and brings bad luck to any man who wears it. However, this myth originated in the 20th century and has no historical basis.
• Mountain of light – The name Kohinoor means “Mountain of Light” in Persian, referring to its brilliant shine. However, the diamond was likely named this for marketing reasons.
• God’s stone – There is a myth that the Kohinoor was first mention in ancient Hindu texts as a jewel of the gods. But the earliest texts describing the diamond date back to the 14th century.
• Mughal origins – Some myths state that Kohinoor was mined in India during the Mughal empire. But it was actually mined in the Golconda region and gifted to Mughal rulers later on.
• Magical powers – Myths assign the Kohinoor mystical powers like protecting against evil, helping gain throne, etc. But these are unsubstantiated stories.
• Misshapen – Contrary to myth, the Kohinoor was not originally misshapen or defective. It has always been prized for its clarity and impressive size.
• Cursed Mughals – Myths often connect Kohinoor to Mughal ruin, but its acquisition occurred long after the Mughal empire crumbled due to multiple factors.

Kohinoor Diamond’s Acquisition by Queen Victoria

• The Kohinoor originally belonged to the Kakatiya dynasty in India in the 13th century before passing through the hands of the Delhi Sultanate, Babur’s Empire and the Mughal Empire.
• In 1739, Persian ruler Nader Shah invaded Northern India and seized the Kohinoor along with other famed diamonds like Darya-ye Noor.
• After Nader Shah’s death, the Kohinoor fell into the hands of the Afghan Durrani Empire. It was then inherited by Ranjit Singh of the Sikh Empire in 1813.
• In 1849, after the Second Anglo-Sikh war, the kingdom of Punjab was annexed by the British East India Company.
• As part of the Treaty of Lahore, the Kohinoor was surrendered by Dulip Singh, son of Ranjit Singh, to the British as compensation for war reparations.
• On July 3, 1850, the Kohinoor was formally presented to Queen Victoria by the East India Company.
• The diamond was later displayed at the 1851 Great Exhibition in London as part of the India exhibit. Thousands marveled at it.
• In 1852, Prince Albert had the Kohinoor fitted into a brooch specifically designed for Queen Victoria.
• So the Kohinoor diamond ultimately ended up as British property through annexation of Punjab and the Treaty of Lahore that formally ceded the stone.

FAQs on Kohinoor Diamond

Does the­ Kohinoor Diamond carry a curse?

The claim that the Kohinoor Diamond is curse­d feels more like­ a tale than a solid truth. Some argue that misfortune­ befell its holders, but a large­ number of individuals question the e­xistence of such a mystical curse.

Will the­ Kohinoor Diamond return to India?

There’s chatte­r about sending the Kohinoor Diamond back to India. Howeve­r, the British government hasn’t ye­t shown any intention of doing so. As of now, it’s a component of the British Crown Je­wels.

Who gave the­ Kohinoor to the British East India Company?

It was pressure and politics that le­d the British East India Company to possess the Kohinoor Diamond. Once­ Punjab was under their control in 1849, the last le­ader of the Sikh Empire, Dule­ep Singh, handed over the­ Kohinoor to the British Crown in 1850.

How many Kohinoor diamonds are there in the world?

The term “Kohinoor” historically refers to a specific diamond, and there is only one Kohinoor Diamond. The name “Kohinoor” itself means “Mountain of Light” in Persian. It has a singular identity and is renowned for its historical significance and cultural value.