The Kohinoor, a diamond of unparalleled beauty, holds a history as captivating as its dazzling appearance. This gemstone, once the largest known diamond in the world, has passed through the hands of powerful kings and emperors, sparking legends of divine power, misfortune, and imperial conquest. The tale of the Kohinoor is not just a chronicle of its ownership; it is the story of how a single artifact can shape history, influence empires, and become the symbol of both triumph and tragedy.
Origins in Golconda: The Birth of a Legend
The Kohinoor's story begins in 1306, in the Golconda region, now part of modern-day Andhra Pradesh, India. This area was renowned for its rich deposits of diamonds, which were mined using the ancient placer mining technique, a method that separated diamonds from alluvial soil along the riverbanks. In 1306, a group of miners discovered a huge diamond weighing an astounding 793 carats, a stone of such clarity that modern gemologists would classify it as a D-grade diamond.
This diamond, later known as the Kohinoor, was first brought into the possession of the Kakatiya dynasty. The rulers of the Kakatiya Empire, which was at its peak during this period, greatly revered the diamond, believing it to be a divine gift. The diamond was placed in the left eye of the Goddess Bhadrakali in the famous Warangal temple, further fueling the belief that whoever owned the Kohinoor would have great power, albeit at the cost of misfortune.
This association with bad luck became an integral part of the diamond's legend. The curse, according to local lore, stated that only women could wear the Kohinoor without suffering ill fortune, a superstition that would follow the diamond through its tumultuous journey across empires.
The Kohinoor's Tumultuous Passage Through Empires
The Kohinoor's journey out of India began with the fall of the Kakatiya dynasty. In 1323, Alauddin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi, sent his general Malik Kafur to conquer the Kakatiya Empire. The fall of Warangal marked the beginning of a long period during which the diamond passed through various rulers, each one facing disaster after possessing it.
Under the Khilji dynasty, the diamond was held by Sultan Alauddin Khilji, who had it appraised by an official named Khwaja Haji. Recognizing its unparalleled value, Khilji's possession of the diamond was followed by a series of personal and dynastic tragedies, which reinforced the superstition surrounding the stone. Eventually, the Kohinoor passed into the hands of the Tughlaq dynasty, and from there, it would change hands many more times.
The diamond's next major transition came when it was passed to Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, and later to his son Humayun. Babur himself was entranced by the Kohinoor, although he was not fully aware of its mystical significance. It was during this period that the diamond was known as the "Babur Diamond," a reference to the Mughal emperor who had received it.
The Mughal Era: The Diamond in the Peacock Throne
By the 17th century, under Shah Jahan, the Kohinoor entered the court of the most renowned Mughal emperor of all. Shah Jahan, obsessed with the diamond's beauty, ordered that it be recut by the famous European diamond cutter, Hortensio Borgio. This act reduced the Kohinoor's original size, bringing it down from 793 carats to 280 carats. Despite the reduction, Shah Jahan's appreciation for the diamond was immense, and he incorporated it into the magnificent Peacock Throne, a symbol of the Mughal Empire's opulence.
However, even in the Mughal Empire, the Kohinoor continued to bring misfortune. In 1658, Shah Jahan's son, Aurangzeb, usurped the throne, imprisoning his father. Despite the tragedy that befell his family, Aurangzeb refrained from sitting on the Peacock Throne, a decision some believe was made to avoid the supposed curse of the Kohinoor.
Nadir Shah's Loot: The Kohinoor's First Departure from India
In 1739, during a period of political instability in India, the Kohinoor was once again lost to the Indian subcontinent. Nadir Shah of Persia, taking advantage of the declining Mughal Empire, invaded India and plundered the riches of Delhi. It was during this invasion that the Kohinoor was taken, and it became part of Nadir Shah's vast loot.
The story of Nadir Shah's possession of the Kohinoor is shrouded in further superstition. In a dramatic turn of events, Nadir Shah, after hearing of the diamond's mystical properties, demanded that it be handed over to him. As history has it, Nadir Shah discovered the Kohinoor hidden within the turban of Muhammad Shah Rangila, the Mughal Emperor. Upon seeing the diamond fall from the turban, he uttered the word "Kohinoor," which means "Mountain of Light," giving the diamond its famous name.
Nadir Shah's reign, like many others who owned the Kohinoor, ended in bloodshed. The Persian ruler was assassinated, and the Kohinoor passed to his successor, Ahmad Shah Durrani, who took it to Afghanistan.
The British Era: The Diamond Becomes Royal Property
By the early 19th century, the Kohinoor's legacy had become even more intertwined with the story of empire-building. In 1813, during a period of political upheaval in Afghanistan, the Kohinoor was handed over to the British by Shah Shuja Durrani, the exiled Afghan king, in exchange for British military support. This marked the beginning of the Kohinoor's connection with the British Crown.
The British had long coveted the Kohinoor, and its symbolic power in the context of British imperialism was undeniable. By 1849, after the Sikh Empire's defeat in the Second Anglo-Sikh War, the Kohinoor was officially transferred to the British under the Treaty of Lahore. The diamond was then presented to Queen Victoria as part of the spoils of British victory, marking its final arrival in England.
The Kohinoor's Curse and British Ownership
Upon its arrival in England, the Kohinoor's legacy of misfortune seemed to continue. Queen Victoria's life was marked by a series of personal tragedies, including the death of her beloved husband, Prince Albert, in 1861. It was during this time that the Kohinoor was incorporated into the British Crown Jewels, reserved exclusively for female monarchs. Queen Victoria's son, Edward VII, never wore the diamond, and since then, it has remained a symbol of female royal authority.
Despite its royal status, the Kohinoor continued to be the subject of controversy, especially after India gained independence in 1947. The Indian government has repeatedly requested the return of the diamond, citing its cultural and historical significance. However, the British government has denied these requests, citing the Treaty of Lahore and its legal possession of the diamond.
The Kohinoor Today: A Symbol of Colonial Legacy and National Identity
The Kohinoor remains one of the most famous diamonds in the world, not just for its size and beauty but for its turbulent journey through history. Its movement from India to Afghanistan, Persia, and eventually to Britain reflects the broader story of imperialism, conquest, and cultural plunder. Today, the Kohinoor is a powerful symbol of colonial history, and its return to India is still a subject of national debate.
In recent years, there have been renewed calls for the Kohinoor's repatriation. Despite the legal complexities and ongoing disputes over ownership, the Kohinoor remains a cherished symbol of India's cultural heritage. Whether or not it will ever return to its homeland is uncertain, but the Kohinoor's legacy continues to captivate and inspire.