The Koh-i-noor is one of the most famous and valuable diamonds in the world. It is part of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom and is currently owned by King Charles III and Queen consort Camilla. But behind its sparkling beauty lies a dark and bloody history of wars, invasions, and curses. Over time, the Koh-i-noor has proven to not be a blessing, but a curse, for its male owners.
The origin of the Koh-i-noor is shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have been discovered in the Kollur Mines in Golconda region (now Telangana in India) during the Kakatiya Dynasty’s rule. The name Koh-i-noor means “Mountain of Light” in Persian, and it was considered a symbol of royal power and prestige.
Over the centuries, the Koh-i-noor changed hands many times, passing from one dynasty to another across Asia. It was owned by Hindu, Persian, Mughal, Afghan, and Sikh rulers, who fought and died for it. Some of the notable owners of the Koh-i-noor include Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who built the Taj Mahal. He commissioned a spectacular Peacock Throne that had the Koh-i-noor as its centerpiece. He was later imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb, who took the diamond and the throne.
Nader Shah, the Persian ruler who invaded Delhi and looted the Mughal treasury, including the Peacock Throne and the Koh-i-noor, wore the diamond on an armband but was later assassinated by his own guards. Ranjit Singh, the Sikh ruler who defeated the Afghan Durrani dynasty and brought the Koh-i-noor back to India, wore the diamond on his turban and was revered as the Lion of Punjab. He died of a stroke in 1839.
Prince Duleep Singh, the son of Ranjit Singh, was forced to give up the Koh-i-noor to the British Empire after the Anglo-Sikh wars. He was exiled to England and converted to Christianity, dying in poverty and obscurity in Paris in 1893.
The Koh-i-noor was presented to Queen Victoria in 1850, and was later recut to enhance its brilliance. It was mounted on the crowns of Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary, and Queen Elizabeth II. It was never worn by a male member of the British royal family, as it is said to be cursed and bring bad luck to its male owners.
The curse of the Koh-i-noor is a legend that dates back to ancient times, when it was believed that the diamond was a gift from the gods and could only be worn by a woman or a god. According to the legend, any man who wears or owns the Koh-i-noor will lose his throne or his life.
The history of the Koh-i-noor seems to support this legend, as many of its male owners met tragic ends. Some of them were killed, blinded, imprisoned, or exiled. Some of them also lost their empires or their kingdoms. The current owner of the Koh-i-noor, King Charles III, was recently diagnosed with cancer, which has revived the talk of the curse.
The Koh-i-noor is not only a precious gem, but also a witness to the history of India and the world. It has seen the rise and fall of empires, the glory and the gore of wars, and the splendor and the sorrow of rulers. It is a diamond that dazzles with light, but also casts a shadow of darkness.