Why is Kohinoor So Special? The Epic Journey of the Kohinoor Diamond

Article of the Month - Oct 2023

This article by Tanvi

(Viewed 757 times since Oct 2023)

The Kohinoor diamond, as it is known today, was long ago an unknown mysterious stone buried in the mines of Golconda, India. When it was unearthed by local miners, it shimmered brilliantly and seemed different from any other jewel or diamond anyone had ever witnessed. Its beauty was so captivating that people started believing it to be a fragment of a falling star embraced by the earth’s crust. It illuminated the surroundings like millions of stars in the night sky. The story and journey of the most stunning Koh-e-noor diamond is still a mystery for the human population.


Hidden Secrets: Kohinoor Diamond’s Value and Characteristics

The Kohinoor Diamond is the most famous and valuable gemstone in the entire world. Its astonishing characteristics have made it gain more fans than a famous celebrity would ever have. Let us look at some of the unparalleled characteristics of the Kohinoor gem that make it the emblem of timeless beauty.

To everyone's astonishment, the Kohinoor diamond has a significant size and weighs about 106 Carats (21.6 grams). However, the mesmerizing crystalline appeal of the classic gem is immeasurable.

The Indian rose-cut design of the gem with multiple facets reflects light brilliantly in all directions.

Exhibiting a colorless appearance and oval shape, the diamond is renowned for its exceptional clarity and fascinates everyone’s eyes.

The dazzling jewel, Kohinoor Hira, has great cultural significance in India. It is considered the symbol of power, dignity, and prestige.

All these factors add to the stunning beauty of Kohinoor and make it the most sought-after diamond across the globe.


The Journey from Mines to Monarchs

Fascinated by the allure of the Kohinoor gemstone, every ruler tried to be its proprietor in order to be rich and famous all over the world. Being passed down from one emperor to another, it adorned their majestic crowns or brooches.

Originated and excavated from the mines of Golconda, Andhra Pradesh, India, the Kohinoor diamond passed through the hands of many Indian rulers and dynasties. Earlier, it was known as “Syamantak Mani”. It is believed that the Kakatiya Dynasty was the first to possess this diamond and later came to the Mughal emperors who ruled over the country. When in the early 18th century, Persian and Afghan rulers invaded India, they took the diamond with them to Persia. It was then that the diamond came to be known as “Kohinoor”, meaning the “Mountain of Light”. At that time, it graced the crowns of the Persian rulers.


But in the 19th century, the brave Sikh emperor Maharaja Ranjit Singh (the founder of the Sikh Empire), defeated the Afghan rulers and retained the diamond. After the invasion of the British East India Company in India, the Britishers were captivated by its beauty. In 1849, the Second Anglo-Sikh War took place and the diamond was formally surrendered to them by the youngest son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The Britishers presented it to Queen Victoria as a gift and thus became part of the British crown Jewels. Since then, the radiant Kohinoor crown has maintained its legendary status in British royalty.


The Fate of the Diamond: Controversies and Disputes

The Kohinoor Diamond has witnessed many controversies in the past two centuries over its claim and ownership, cultural significance, and ethics. The primary dispute concerns its ownership and identity. Countries like India, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom have all laid claim to the diamond. India strongly calls for the return of the diamond to the nation as it was taken from it by the invaders in the 16th century. Pakistan argues that the jewel should be returned to them as many rulers possessed it for many years. However, the British Monarchy presently maintains its ownership and refuses to return it to any nation citing its historical and legal connection to the United Kingdom.

There have been many requests and demands by the Indian Government to have the diamond back into the nation. Many people view Kohinoor as the cultural heritage of India representing its legacy, royalty, and wealth. Believed to have been found in the mines of the Andhra Pradesh (currently Telangana) state of India, it has its roots seeped into the glorious Indian history. Thus the fate of the diamond still remains a heated debate for the whole world.  


Conclusion

Kohinoor is the most historically significant and famous diamond in the world. Its unmatched aesthetic appeal cannot exceed the beauty of thousands of gems altogether. This is the reason why many stories are related to the proprietorship of the Kohinoor diamond. After being passed down from one monarch to another, it presently belongs to the British Monarchy. The magnificent appeal of the gemstone attracts the hearts of all and is known for its brilliant radiance and sparkle. No one has ever witnessed such a beautiful natural diamond for which words fall short of describing its splendor.

Amidst controversies over the Kohinoor diamond, the Indian Government has been trying to call for the return of its lost jewel which is believed to have been excavated from the mines of the Golconda region of the country.

 

Q. Where was the Kohinoor diamond found?

The brilliant Kohinoor diamond was found in the mines of the Golconda region in Andhra Pradesh, India around a thousand years ago.

Q. Why is the Kohinoor diamond not in India?

Although the Kohinoor diamond was mined in India, it has a long and complex history of its ownership. It has been possessed by several Monarchs and dynasties in India. Persian rulers, Afghan rulers, Mughal emperors, and British emperors have also claimed their ownership over the diamond. During the British colonial period in India, the Britishers captured the diamond and took it to the United Kingdom. Since then, it has been part of the British Monarch jewels.

Q. Will the Kohinoor diamond be returned to India?

While the officials of India are trying to get back their lost jewel to its original nation India, so far, there has not been any agreement from the side of the British Government that claims to possess the diamond legally.

Q. Is the Kohinoor diamond on sale?

No, the Kohinoor diamond is considered priceless and due to its great historical significance, it is not publicly available for sale.

 


Add a review

Your email address will not be published *