Discover the true history of the Kohinoor diamond — from its origins in Andhra Pradesh under the Kakatiya dynasty to its journey through empires, betrayal, and controversy, ending in the British Crown Jewels.
Kohinoor Diamond: The Blood-Stained Jewel That Witnessed the Rise and Fall of Empires
The Kohinoor — a name that evokes power, beauty, and imperial legacy — is not merely a diamond but a silent witness to centuries of war, betrayal, and political upheaval. With roots tracing back to the Telugu lands of India, the diamond has passed through the hands of kings, conquerors, and colonizers before ending up in the crown of the British monarchy. And now, its legacy is once again in the spotlight through the Telugu film Hari Hara Veera Mallu, starring Pawan Kalyan, where the diamond plays a central role in the story.
Origin of the ‘Mountain of Light’
“Koh-i-Noor” means “Mountain of Light” in Persian. Historians widely believe it was first mined in the Golconda region, most likely in Kollur, located in present-day Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. Some believe it adorned the deity Bhadrakali at the Warangal temple under the Kakatiya dynasty, possibly as the goddess’s left eye — although concrete evidence remains elusive.
During the final days of Kakatiya rule, the diamond reportedly fell into the hands of the Delhi Sultanate, after multiple invasions. In 1304, Malik Kafur, a general of Alauddin Khilji, launched a major attack, during which King Prataparudra surrendered, handing over vast treasures — possibly including the Kohinoor.
From Mughals to Persia
By 1526, the diamond was in the possession of Mughal Emperor Babur, who mentioned it in his memoir Baburnama, calling it priceless. It passed down to emperors like Shah Jahan, who embedded it into the famous Peacock Throne.
Then came Nader Shah of Persia in 1739, who invaded Delhi and looted immense wealth, including the Kohinoor. He was so mesmerized by its brilliance that he named it “Koh-i-Noor.” According to some, it was previously referred to as Shyamantaka Mani, a mythical gem mentioned in the Mahabharata.
From Persia to Afghanistan to Punjab
After Nader Shah’s assassination in 1747, the diamond went to Ahmad Shah Durrani, founder of the Afghan Durrani Empire. It remained in Afghanistan for nearly 70 years until Shuja Shah Durrani brought it back to India in 1813. Seeking military support, he handed the gem to Maharaja Ranjit Singh of the Sikh Empire.
Under Ranjit Singh, the Kohinoor symbolized Sikh sovereignty. However, after the Second Anglo-Sikh War in 1849, the British East India Company annexed Punjab and forced the young Maharaja Duleep Singh to sign the Treaty of Lahore, handing over the diamond to the British.
Tragedy at Sea and Arrival in Britain
The transfer of the Kohinoor to Britain was marked by mysterious events. During its sea journey, a cholera outbreak struck the crew, killing many. Finally, in 1850, the gem reached Queen Victoria, who had it recut from 186 carats to 108.93 carats by Dutch jewellers, believing it lacked brilliance.
Interestingly, Queen Victoria, upon learning of the diamond’s blood-stained legacy, decreed that it should never be worn by a male monarch — a tradition upheld even during King Charles III’s coronation, where Queen Camilla notably did not wear it due to diplomatic sensitivities.
A Crown Jewel Surrounded by Controversy
Today, the Kohinoor remains in the Tower of London, displayed as part of the British Crown Jewels. However, its legacy remains deeply controversial. India, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan have all laid claim to the diamond, arguing it was taken unjustly.
India has made several formal requests for its return, all denied by Britain. While Britain insists the diamond was legally acquired, countries like India argue it was obtained under duress and colonial coercion, especially during a period of imperial domination.
A Diamond that Defies Time
From the Kakatiya empire, through the Mughals, Persians, Afghans, and Sikhs, to British royalty, the Kohinoor has symbolized power, wealth, and sovereignty. But it has also been a harbinger of doom, marking the decline of every empire that dared to claim it as its own.
As Hari Hara Veera Mallu revives this powerful tale on the silver screen, the Kohinoor continues to shimmer — not just as a gem, but as a living relic of centuries of conquest, colonization, and contested heritage.
Hari Hara Veera Mallu Review: Pawan Kalyan Shines in a Visually Uneven Period Epic
Last Updated on Friday, July 25, 2025 2:55 pm by Admin
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