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| Source-BBC |
Koh-i-Noor is the world's largest and most famous diamond. Till today, no one could sell or purchase Kohinoor, it has only been won, taken away or gifted. There are some mysteries, curses and bad luck associated with Kohinoor.
Queen Elizabeth-II, the longest-serving monarch of the UK died on 8 September, 2022 aged 96 years. After her seven-decade-long reign, the Kohinoor diamond studded crown will pass onto the next in line.
The next person to hold this diamond is the next monarch i.e., King Charles III, Queen’s eldest son. However, going by the ascension history of the Kohinoor, the diamond will go to the next queen, which is Camilla Parker Bowles, the Queen Consort.
The History of the Koh-i-Noor Diamond
The Kohinoor was found in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is until now the most prestigious diamond around the world, weighing around 105.6 carats. It was found in the 14th century, during the reign of the Kakatiya Dynasty.
The Kohinoor was first placed as the deity in a Hindu temple in Warangal, which was later looted by Alauddin Khilji’s general, Malik Kafoor. It was passed on to many rulers of the Mughal Empire.
After the Mughals, Sikh Maharaja Ranjit Singh possessed it in Lahore. During his son Dileep Singh’s rule, the diamond was taken by the British and given to Queen Victoria. When the diamond was taken, Dileep Singh was just 9 years old.
What is the Curse of the Koh-i-Noor?
According to folklore, a Hindu description of the diamond warns that ”he who owns this diamond will own the world, but will also know all the misfortunes. Only god or woman can wear it with impunity.”
Throughout history, the diamond was traded among many rulers, like Hindu, Mongolian, Persian, Afghan and Sikh rulers, and all faced the curse of this diamond. Every prince who was in possession of the diamond would ultimately lose his power of not life.
The history and lives of the rulers who owned the Koh-i-Noor were filled with violence, murders and torture. Whether or not people believe in curses or not, the long history of Koh-i-Noor is undeniable.
Will Koh-i-Noor be back in India?
The people of India have called for the return of the Kohinoor diamond on Twitter after the Queen’s death. The diamond has been at the center of political and legal controversy in India. It is believed by the Indian's is that the diamond was stolen during the colonial regime.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and president Droupadi Murmu, formally requested to return the Kohinoor back when they paid tribute after the Queen's death.
India’s solicitor general surprised many when he told the Supreme Court that his country should forgo its claims to the jewel because it was given to Britain as a gift by an Indian king in 1851, rather than stolen as many Indians today believe.
“The government of India further reiterates its resolve to make all possible efforts to bring back the Kohinoor diamond in an amicable manner,“ the ministry of culture said. The ministry also mentioned that the stone was a valued piece of art with strong roots in our nation’s history and Narendra Modi is determined to bring it back
Other Nations Claiming for Koh-i-Noor
In 1976, Pakistan asserted its ownership of the diamond, saying that its return would be “a convincing demonstration of the spirit that moved Britain voluntarily to shed its imperial encumbrances and lead the process of decolonization.”
In 200, the Talibvan’s foreign affairs spokesman, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, said that the Kohinoor was the legitimate property of Afghanistan, and demanded it to be handed over to the regime.
There have been various compromises suggested to bring the dispute to an end. These included dividing it into four, with a piece given to each of Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and Britain.
The other suggests the jewel to be housed in a special museum at the Wagah border between India and Pakistan. However, this suggestion does not cater to Afghan claims, not the reality of British possession. The British government rejected these compromises and declared it a non-negotiable fight.
The Kohinoor has generated heat between various countries. Despite the decisions, countries must try to work out things with peace and dignity. The case should be resolved by negotiations or legal cases, instead of wars.
Indian netizens are in full mood to see the Kohinoor back in India and expecting Modi ji to take step regarding this. Nobody knows what going to happen next. Whatever happens, happens for good. Let us hope to see Kohinoor in India soon.
Written By: Radhika Agrawal
Edited by : Aastha setia
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