Kumud Merani (A Senior Journalist and Retired Executive Producer, SBS Radio)

With the Government of India renewing its request for the return of the Kohinoor from Britain, the diamond has sparked a debate shining through the Tower of London into geopolitical space. India believes the world’s largest diamond truly belongs to it. On the other hand, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran have also echoed their own claims, while the British government argues that it was legally acquired.

Let’s follow the bloody journey of the Kohinoor to understand the various claims across nations and empires.

The diamond has a chequered history, and sifting fact from fiction and fiction from fact is like looking for another gem from the Kollur mines, Golconda—now Andhra Pradesh.

Pre-Mughal Possession

The Kakatiya dynasty in 1309 was the earliest owner of the diamond. It was set as the left eye of the Hindu Goddess Bhadrakali at a temple in Warangal. Hindu folklore claims, “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.”

Allauddin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi, defeated the Kakatiya ruler and acquired the huge diamond. It then passed into the possession of the Tughlaqs, Sayeds and the Lodis.

In the Hands of the Mughals

In 1526, Babur invaded India and, after winning the First Battle of Panipat, acquired the diamond. It was then known as the Babur diamond. Since legend said, “He who owns the diamond will own the world,” Babur wore it as an armlet.

When his son Humayun fell ill, Babur prayed to Allah for the life of his son, even if he had to give up his own life. The curse of the diamond came true; Babur died. The diamond came into the possession of Humayun, who had become addicted to opium and fell down the stairs to his death.

The next definitive historical record is found under the rule of Shah Jahan, who commissioned the Takht-e-Taus, the famous Peacock Throne. The diamond was encrusted in the eye of the peacock.

Nadir Shah the Invader

Nadir Shah from Persia invaded India in 1738 during the reign of the weak Mughal King Muhammad Shah. Nadir Shah was informed by Nur Bai, a courtesan from Muhammad Shah’s harem, that the huge diamond was hidden in his turban.

Nadir Shah invited Muhammad Shah back to his throne, feigning friendship, and asked to exchange turbans. That is how he acquired the diamond, which was so lustrous that Nadir Shah shouted out in Farsi, “Koh-i-Noor”—the Mountain of Light. That is how the diamond got its name.

On his way back to Persia, loaded with precious stones, gold and jewels, Nadir Shah was killed by his commander Ahmed Shah Abdali, who set up the Durrani dynasty in what is now known as Afghanistan.

After his death and much bloodshed, one of his grandsons, Shah Shuja, who had acquired the Kohinoor, escaped to Punjab under threat of death. Ranjit Singh, the Lion of Punjab, gave him protection but asked for the Kohinoor in return.

Over to the Sikh Empire

Ranjit Singh wore it as an armlet. When he died in 1839, the Sikh Empire crumbled. There was a struggle for access to the throne of Punjab, and in 1849, 10-year-old Duleep Singh was placed on the throne. By then, the British held sway in India, and they had their eyes on the Kohinoor.

To the British Crown

The British forced young Duleep to sign the Treaty of Lahore, which stipulated that the Kohinoor should be given to the British. Thus, the Kohinoor became the property of the British.

Being aware of the curse of the Kohinoor—that unless worn by a god or a woman, it would bring misfortune—only the British queens got to wear it. Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, had it cut to look more lustrous, and the Kohinoor was reduced to half its size.

Finally, in 1937, it was set at the front of the crown worn by the Queen Mother. That is where it remains in the Tower of London.

A sparkling diamond that holds a curse, is contested by nations, and remains shrouded in unresolved darkness.

The Kohinoor’s story is about power, betrayal and bloodshed.

Who do you think the Kohinoor rightfully belongs to?