Koh-i-Noor
History
The Koh-i-Noor, also known as "Mountain of Light", is a diamond with a rich and tumultuous history. It is believed to have been mined in the Golconda mines of Southern India, during the reign of the Kakatiya Dynasty in the 13th century. The diamond was originally owned by various Indian and Persian rulers who fought bitterly over it for centuries.
In 1526, the diamond came into the possession of Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, after he defeated the last of the Lodhi Dynasty. The diamond then passed through the hands of various Mughal emperors, including Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan. It was Shah Jahan who had the diamond placed into his ornate Peacock Throne.
The diamond was lost during the invasion of Nadir Shah, the Shah of Persia, in 1739. It was then passed down to various Persian and Afghan rulers. In 1849, following the Second Anglo-Sikh War, the diamond was surrendered to the British under the terms of the Treaty of Lahore. It was then presented to Queen Victoria, becoming a part of the British Crown Jewels.
Characteristics
The Koh-i-Noor is an oval cut diamond, weighing 105.6 carats. It is one of the largest cut diamonds in the world. The diamond is colorless and is of the finest water, which is a term used in the gem trade to describe a diamond of exceptional clarity and brilliance. The diamond has been cut and re-cut over the centuries to enhance its brilliance and symmetry.
Controversy and Ownership Disputes
The ownership of the Koh-i-Noor has been a contentious issue, with multiple claims of ownership from different countries including India, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. The British government has consistently rejected these claims, stating that the diamond was obtained legally under the terms of the Treaty of Lahore.
In Popular Culture
The Koh-i-Noor has been referenced in numerous works of literature and film. It has been the subject of several novels, including "The Moonstone" by Wilkie Collins and "Flashman and the Mountain of Light" by George MacDonald Fraser. The diamond has also been featured in several films and television series, including the 2006 film "The Fall" and the 2016 video game "Assassin's Creed Syndicate".