Curse and the Crown: The Untold Story of the Kohinoor
Few gemstones in the world carry the weight of history, legend, and controversy quite like the Kohinoor diamond. Weighing 105.6 carats today, the Kohinoor—meaning “Mountain of Light” in Persian—has passed through the hands of emperors, conquerors, and queens, becoming a symbol of both dazzling beauty and bitter colonial legacy.
Origins and Early History
The origins of the Kohinoor are believed to lie in the famed Kollur mines of Golconda, located in present-day Andhra Pradesh, India. Historians trace its emergence to the Kakatiya dynasty between the 12th and 14th centuries. Local legends suggest that the diamond once adorned the eye of a deity in a temple shrine—some even link it to the mythical Syamantaka gem from ancient Sanskrit texts. While these stories remain unverified, they underscore the mystique that has long surrounded the diamond.
The first documented reference to the Kohinoor appears in the memoirs of Mughal emperor Babur, who acquired the gem in 1526 after defeating Sultan Ibrahim Lodi at the First Battle of Panipat.
A Jewel of Empires
Over the centuries, the Kohinoor became a coveted possession among rulers of the Indian subcontinent and beyond. It was set into the legendary Peacock Throne by the Mughal emperors and symbolized imperial dominance.
In 1739, Persian ruler Nader Shah invaded Delhi and looted the Mughal treasury. Among the treasures he carried off was this diamond, which he famously renamed “Koh-i-Noor.” Following his assassination, the diamond changed hands again—passing to Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Durrani and later to his descendant Shah Shuja Durrani, who eventually transported it back to India in the 19th century.
British Possession and Transformation
The diamond’s most controversial chapter began in 1849, following the British annexation of Punjab. As part of the terms of surrender after the Second Anglo-Sikh War, the 11-year-old Maharaja Duleep Singh was compelled to hand over the Kohinoor to the British Crown.
In 1852, British royal jewelers Garrard recut the diamond to enhance its brilliance, reducing its weight significantly from 191 carats to its current form. It has since been mounted in various royal crowns, most notably in the crown of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Today, the diamond remains part of the British Crown Jewels, on display at the Tower of London.
Disputes and Diplomatic Demands
Despite its prominent display, the Kohinoor remains a flashpoint for international debate. India, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan have all made claims to the diamond, arguing it was taken illegally and should be returned to its country of origin. The British government, however, maintains it was acquired lawfully under the 19th-century treaty—an assertion that remains heavily disputed in historical circles.
Adding to its legend is the so-called “curse” of the Kohinoor: it is believed that only women or gods can safely wear the diamond—men who possess it are said to be doomed to misfortune.
Origins and Early History
The origins of the Kohinoor are believed to lie in the famed Kollur mines of Golconda, located in present-day Andhra Pradesh, India. Historians trace its emergence to the Kakatiya dynasty between the 12th and 14th centuries. Local legends suggest that the diamond once adorned the eye of a deity in a temple shrine—some even link it to the mythical Syamantaka gem from ancient Sanskrit texts. While these stories remain unverified, they underscore the mystique that has long surrounded the diamond.
The first documented reference to the Kohinoor appears in the memoirs of Mughal emperor Babur, who acquired the gem in 1526 after defeating Sultan Ibrahim Lodi at the First Battle of Panipat.
A Jewel of Empires
Over the centuries, the Kohinoor became a coveted possession among rulers of the Indian subcontinent and beyond. It was set into the legendary Peacock Throne by the Mughal emperors and symbolized imperial dominance.
In 1739, Persian ruler Nader Shah invaded Delhi and looted the Mughal treasury. Among the treasures he carried off was this diamond, which he famously renamed “Koh-i-Noor.” Following his assassination, the diamond changed hands again—passing to Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Durrani and later to his descendant Shah Shuja Durrani, who eventually transported it back to India in the 19th century.
British Possession and Transformation
The diamond’s most controversial chapter began in 1849, following the British annexation of Punjab. As part of the terms of surrender after the Second Anglo-Sikh War, the 11-year-old Maharaja Duleep Singh was compelled to hand over the Kohinoor to the British Crown.
In 1852, British royal jewelers Garrard recut the diamond to enhance its brilliance, reducing its weight significantly from 191 carats to its current form. It has since been mounted in various royal crowns, most notably in the crown of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Today, the diamond remains part of the British Crown Jewels, on display at the Tower of London.
Disputes and Diplomatic Demands
Despite its prominent display, the Kohinoor remains a flashpoint for international debate. India, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan have all made claims to the diamond, arguing it was taken illegally and should be returned to its country of origin. The British government, however, maintains it was acquired lawfully under the 19th-century treaty—an assertion that remains heavily disputed in historical circles.
Adding to its legend is the so-called “curse” of the Kohinoor: it is believed that only women or gods can safely wear the diamond—men who possess it are said to be doomed to misfortune.