Kohinoor Diamond: From Indian empires to the British crown, a contested Legacy
The Koh-i-Noor diamond, once part of India’s heritage, passed through multiple empires through conquest and is now part of Britain’s Crown Jewels, remaining a symbol of historical dispute
Few gemstones carry a legacy as complex as the Kohinoor. Once part of India’s rich heritage and now housed among Britain’s Crown Jewels, its journey across empires continues to spark debate, emotion, and historical curiosity.
The origins of the Kohinoor remain unclear. Popular tales claim it was discovered in forests or linked to ancient Sanskrit lore. However, most of these stories lack evidence and are widely regarded as myth rather than fact.
In his report for the East India Company, civil servant Theo Metcalfe—tasked by Lord Dalhousie with documenting the Kohinoor—claimed the diamond was extracted during the lifetime of Lord Krishna. However, historians widely believe his account drew heavily from myth and legend rather than verified history.
Historical records first point to the 17th century. The diamond is believed to have adorned Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s Peacock Throne, marking its presence among the most prized treasures of the Mughal court.
From the Delhi Sultanate to the Mughals, and later to Persian ruler Nadir Shah, the Kohinoor passed through powerful hands. It travelled across regions including Iran and Afghanistan before returning to the Indian subcontinent.
In 1739, Persian ruler Nadir Shah seized the Kohinoor after invading the Mughal Empire, along with famed gems like the Darya-i-Noor. Following his assassination in 1747, the diamond passed into the hands of one of his generals, continuing its turbulent journey.
In the early 19th century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh acquired the diamond. After the British annexed Punjab, it was handed over to Queen Victoria under controversial circumstances involving the young ruler Duleep Singh.
In 2016, the Government of India informed the Supreme Court that the Kohinoor was not forcibly taken by the British, but was presented to them as a gift by Duleep Singh, the son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Queen Victoria is believed to have worn the Kohinoor as a brooch, marking one of its earliest appearances in the British royal collection after its transfer to Britain in the 19th century.
The Kohinoor has adorned several British royal crowns over time. Queen Alexandra, wife of Edward VII, wore it first, followed by Queen Mary at the 1911 coronation. It was later set in the crown of Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother), before being replaced with a replica.
At King Charles III’s coronation, Camilla chose not to commission a new crown and instead wore Queen Mary’s crown, a historic piece that once held the Kohinoor, reflecting continuity in royal tradition while avoiding the use of the controversial diamond.
The Kohinoor, now weighing 105 carats, no longer ranks among the world’s largest diamonds—it stands as only the 105th largest, though its historical significance far outweighs its size.
The Kohinoor, originally an uncut and flawed diamond, was later recut and polished under Prince Albert’s direction, reducing its size but enhancing its brilliance. Though often regarded as the most famous Mughal diamond, several other great Mughal gems have largely been forgotten, leading many historical references to precious Indian diamonds to be mistakenly attributed to the Kohinoor
