Quite recently, campaigns, tweets and demands for the return of the exceptionally prestigious Kohinoor Diamond to India have become more vociferous. Housed in the Tower of London, the Kohinoor has mysterious origins, and a history that is still not fully known, but it is an integral part of the extension of political power and the symbolism of British colonialism. Since the death of Queen Elizabeth II, India, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan have all re-claimed their rights to the precious 105-carat diamond, sparking interest into its early past.
The Kohinoor was most-thought to be mined in present-day Andhra Pradesh, India, between 1100 and 1300, and weighed just over 187-carats. Various accounts and written records suggest it first appeared on the Peacock Throne of the Mughal Empire before the chaos of frequent fighting and disputes over ownership began. Nadir Shah, the Persian Ruler of Iran, invaded Delhi in 1739 and removed the Kohinoor from the Peacock Throne, placing it on his armband as a symbol of hierarchy (as well as for aesthetic purposes); perhaps a reason why the “Koh-i-noor” translates to “the Mountain of Light” in Persian.
After this, the diamond was passed between many Central Asian Rulers and Leaders, including the Durrani Dynasty of Afghanistan, through battles and bloodshed. It was 1813 when the British East India Company tried to fight for its possession, and when the Kohinoor was brought to the founder of the Sikh-Empire, Ranjit Singh, in Punjab. However, this was quite short-lived due to Ranjit Singh’s death in 1839, which ultimately subjected the Punjab Throne to the instability that gave the British Empire the advantage it needed to take control. Forcing Duleep Singh (the then 11-year-old ruler) to surrender after two Anglo-Sikh Wars and sign the Treaty of Lahore, Punjab came under British rule, and the Kohinoor travelled into Queen Victoria’s hands. The Diamond was then cut to its current 105 carats and shaped to appear more polished for the Queen’s liking.
There has been controversy around whether the Kohinoor should be returned to its home in India; and since India gained independence from British rule in 1947, its government’s requests to have the diamond, integral to Indian culture, back, have all been denied. Yet these demands seemed to slowly fade away. Interest has again been triggered due to the recent announcement made by Buckingham Palace that the Queen Consort, Camilla Parker Bowles, will be wearing a recycled crown, without the Kohinoor Diamond, despite its historical presence in coronations (most famously worn by Queen Mary in 1911). The matter has alerted many into possible reasons as to why the plan has changed, and why the Kohinoor will be replaced with another gem on the Crown. Central Asia is suspecting that their demands may finally be heard by the Royals and the UK Parliament, as the Queen Consort’s decision may not just be for environmental reasons, but to explore a way in which these disputes can be solved. The Indian Government has certainly stated that they are officially trying to approach its return in a diplomatic and friendly way. However, it is increasingly difficult when so many nations all have claims to the Kohinoor’s monumental past, and all want it for different purposes.
In many instances, returning the Kohinoor to one of the countries may allow for a little reconciliation from the painful memories of British colonisation. However, internal conflict as to who should receive it is reducing the likelihood of Britain to even start negotiations for its return. Britain have dismissed the Taliban’s demands for the Kohinoor but are yet to make a decision on India’s and Pakistan’s rights, who are hoping that King Charles III will acknowledge whom the Diamond rightfully belongs to.
