The Kohinoor diamond, one of the world’s most famous and controversial gems, has a rich history intertwined with Hyderabad and Golconda. Originating from the Golconda mines in Andhra Pradesh, this stunning diamond has captivated rulers and conquerors for centuries. Golconda, once a powerful kingdom and a center for diamond mining, played a pivotal role in the diamond’s history.
The Kohinoor was first documented in the possession of the Kakatiya dynasty of South India. It then passed through various hands, including the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughal Empire, and the Persian Empire, before it was taken to Afghanistan. Eventually, it found its way to India and came under the ownership of the Maharaja of Punjab, Ranjit Singh.
Hyderabad’s connection to the Kohinoor lies in the region’s rich diamond mines, particularly in Golconda, which was one of the world’s earliest and most significant sources of diamonds, including the Kohinoor. The Asaf Jahi dynasty of Hyderabad was known for its wealth and opulence, but the Kohinoor never actually belonged to the Nizams of Hyderabad, despite popular misconceptions.
There are numerous myths and fake stories surrounding the Kohinoor, including claims that it was cursed or that it brought misfortune to its owners. However, these stories are largely unfounded and serve more as legend than historical fact.
The Kohinoor eventually came into British possession after the annexation of Punjab in 1849 and was presented to Queen Victoria. It now resides in the Tower of London as part of the British Crown Jewels, continuing to be a symbol of colonial legacy and a point of contention between India and the United Kingdom.
In Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Possession
The diamond’s history took a significant turn when it came into the possession of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire in Punjab. Ranjit Singh acquired the Kohinoor in the early 19th century from Shah Shuja Durrani of Afghanistan, who sought refuge in Punjab after being deposed. The Kohinoor was a symbol of power and prestige, and Ranjit Singh cherished it as one of his most valuable possessions.
In Gulab Singh’s Possession
After Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s death in 1839, the Kohinoor’s ownership became contested within the Sikh Empire. It eventually came into the hands of Gulab Singh, the first Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, who was a vassal of the Sikh Empire. However, his possession of the diamond was short-lived as political upheaval and British intervention led to the diamond’s further transfer.
Worn by Child Emperor Duleep Singh
The Kohinoor found its way to the young Maharaja Duleep Singh, the last ruler of the Sikh Empire, after the British annexed Punjab in 1849. Duleep Singh, only a child at the time, was coerced into signing the Treaty of Lahore, which included the surrender of the Kohinoor to the British. The diamond was taken from him under duress, marking the beginning of its journey to the United Kingdom.
Surrender to Queen Victoria
The formal surrender of the Kohinoor to Queen Victoria occurred as part of the Treaty of Lahore in 1849. The diamond was presented to her as a symbol of British victory in India, and it was displayed as part of the British Crown Jewels. The Kohinoor’s transfer to the British Crown has been a source of controversy and resentment in India ever since.
Journey to the United Kingdom
The Kohinoor’s journey to the United Kingdom was marked by a sea voyage that saw the diamond being recut to enhance its brilliance. Upon its arrival, the diamond was presented to Queen Victoria, who had it set into a brooch and later into the crowns of British queens. The Kohinoor became a symbol of the British Empire’s power and its colonial dominance over India.
Crown Jewel
Today, the Kohinoor is part of the British Crown Jewels, housed in the Tower of London. It is set in the crown made for Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, and is displayed alongside other royal regalia. The diamond’s place in the Crown Jewels has made it one of the most famous gems in the world, but its presence in the UK is a reminder of the colonial history and the contentious nature of its acquisition.
Ownership Dispute
The ownership of the Kohinoor has been a matter of dispute for decades, with several countries, including India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran, laying claim to it. The Indian government has repeatedly requested the return of the diamond, arguing that it was taken unlawfully during the colonial period. The British government, however, has maintained that the diamond was obtained legally and is part of the nation’s heritage. The Kohinoor remains a potent symbol of colonialism and the enduring legacy of British rule in India.