The legend of the Kohinoor diamond (and facts)

The legend of the Kohinoor diamond (and facts)

Stories abound on how Kohinoor changed the destinies of those who possessed her, for the worse, unfortunately, unless they were women. 

In this travel of Kohinoor and the travails of all those she lived with, Maharaja Duleep Singh was the last Indian king to have possessed this diamond. 

Maharaja Duleep Singh, one of the first freedom fighters of India against the British, was eventually tricked into parting with the Kohinoor under the Treaty of Lahore dated March 29, 1849. The Sikh Kingdom of Punjab, was annexed and merged with the British India dominions under this treaty. 

Duleep Singh was deposed, his treasury which comprised the Kohinoor, the Darya-i-Noor (Sea of Light) and Timur’s Ruby among other valuables, passed on to the hands of the British and finally reached Queen Victoria in England. They were showcased at the Great Exhibition held in London in 1851. 

The diamond, which originally weighed 186 carats was cut down to 108 carats by the Queen and set in her crown. Since then, the Kohinoor continues to stay in the possession of the British Royalty locked away in the Tower of London. 

Even though Kohinoor has been with the British crown, she is still referred to as the ‘Star of India.’ Living up to her name, this ‘mountain of light’ illuminates a glorious history of diamond trade in India.  The trail might have ended, yet the story of the Kohinoor diamond remains intriguing.