The Koh-i-Noor, alternatively spelled as Koh-e-Noor, Kohinoor, and Koh-i-Nur, stands among the world’s most sizable cut diamond, known for its rich history and captivating beauty.

It has been the subject of numerous myths and legends. The Kohinoor diamond is one of the largest diamonds in the world, weighing 105.6 carats (21.12 grams). It is a famous diamond from India with a history of over 500 years.

The diamond originally belonged to different royal families in South Asia. After the British defeated the Sikhs in 1849, the diamond was given to Queen Victoria and became part of the British Crown Jewels.

It is currently displayed in the Tower of London. However, there is controversy surrounding the ownership of the Kohinoor.

Here, we will delve into the origins of the curse, explore theories that support its existence as a myth, as well as those that support the curse as true. Additionally, we will discuss popular movies and series that have explored the curse of the Kohinoor.

History of Kohinoor Diamond

Before the 17th Century

Origin: The Koh-i-Noor, which means “Mountain of Light” in Persian, is believed to have been found in Golconda, India.

Early Ownership: We don’t know much about who owned the diamond in its early history, but it is mentioned in the writings of Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, in the 16th century.

In 17th Century

Mughal Ownership: The diamond became a part of the Mughal Empire’s treasure and was owned by rulers like Babur and Shah Jahan.

In 18th Century

Nader Shah’s Invasion: In 1739, Nader Shah, a ruler from Persia, invaded Delhi, took many treasures, including the Koh-i-Noor, and brought them back to Persia.

Changing Hands: During the 18th century, the diamond passed through the hands of different Persian and Afghan rulers due to political changes in the region.

Early 19th Century

Ranjit Singh’s Acquisition: In 1813, Maharaja Ranjit Singh of the Sikh Empire acquired the Koh-i-Noor.

Mid-19th Century

British Annexation: After the Second Anglo-Sikh War in 1849, the British East India Company took control of the Punjab region, including the Koh-i-Noor.

Transfer to Queen Victoria: In 1850, the diamond was officially presented to Queen Victoria as part of the Treaty of Lahore, signifying the British control.

Re-Cutting: In 1852, Prince Albert oversaw the re-cutting of the diamond to make it shine even more, although its size was reduced.

20th Century

Crown Jewels: The Koh-I-Noor became part of the British Crown Jewels and has been on display in the Tower of London.

Ongoing

Ownership Disputes: India, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan have all claimed ownership of the Koh-i-Noor and have requested its return from the UK.

Controversies: The diamond remains a topic of diplomatic controversy, with different countries expressing their claims and proposals for its ownership.

Ownership of Kohinoor Diamond

India

India claims ownership of the Kohinoor since it originated there centuries ago. The diamond was taken away from India during periods of conquest by Mughals, Persians, and later the British.

Pakistan

Pakistan has also staked claim over the Kohinoor based on the argument that it was last possessed by the former Sikh empire located in present-day Pakistan.

Iran

Iran has claimed that the Kohinoor was stolen from its territory during the early 19th century by Sikh forces. They argue for its return.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan has periodically demanded the return of the Kohinoor to them, citing its taking by the Sikhs in 1813 after the assassination of Shah Shuja Durrani.

The Taliban government of Afghanistan also demanded Kohinoor be repatriated during the 1990s.

British Government

The British government has refused to entertain any claims over the Kohinoor, citing it was legally ceded to Queen Victoria after the Anglo-Sikh Wars.

Legal Perspective

Legal experts argue that the taking of the Kohinoor did not necessarily violate laws during the 19th-century imperial era.

The UNESCO Convention prohibits the stealing of cultural property during times of war and occupation, but it does not apply retroactively.

Descendants of Ranjit Singh

Descendants of Ranjit Singh believe the Kohinoor was surrendered under duress and should thus be returned.

Price of Kohinoor Diamond

Weight

Originally around 186 carats, the Kohinoor Diamond holds an extraordinary place in history.

Value

Considered the world’s most expensive diamond, with an estimated price tag of around USD 20 billion.

Monetary Significance

Its value surpasses the GDP of numerous nations, currently standing at a staggering INR 1.64 lakh crore.

What is Curse of Kohinoor?

The Curse of Kohinoor is believed to be associated with the Kohinoor diamond, a 186-carat diamond with a rich and tumultuous history. Some critics have long associated the Kohinoor diamond with a dark reputation. Tales of greed, death, and despair fill its history.

According to folklore and legends, the curse affects only men who possess or wear the diamond. The curse is said to bring about terrible fates and misfortunes to its male owners. This belief has led to the perception that the diamond carries a curse, leading to tragedies and unfortunate events for those who possess it.

Hindu Priest Cursed Kohinoor

According to the story, a Hindu priest placed the curse on the diamond, foreseeing immense suffering and misfortune for all who possessed it. Some people said that the curse activated when the people took the diamond from its original owners.

This triggered a chain of tragic events that followed as the diamond changed hands among different rulers.

Origin Of Cursed Kohinoor

The origins of the Cursed Kohinoor can be traced back to the diamond’s turbulent history. Originally mined in India, the Kohinoor passed through the hands of various rulers and empires. The various hands include the Mughals, Persians, and British. People believe that the curse originated during the Mughal era when they considered the diamond a symbol of power and divine protection.

Myths About Kohinoor

Cursed Stone

Some critics believe that the Kohinoor carries a curse and brings bad luck to any man who wears it. However, this myth originated in the 20th century and has no historical basis.

Mountain of Light

The name “Kohinoor” means “Mountain of Light” in Persian, referring to its brilliant shine. However, people likely gave the diamond this name for marketing purposes.

God’s Stone

A myth claims that Ancient Hindu texts mention the Kohinoor as a jewel of the gods. However, the earliest texts describing the diamond date back to the 14th century.

Mughal Origins

Some myths claim that people mined the Kohinoor in India during the Mughal empire. In reality, people mined it in the Golconda region and later gifted it to Mughal rulers.

Magical Powers

Myths assign the Kohinoor with mystical powers, such as protecting against evil or helping someone gain a throne. However, these stories lack substantiation.

Misshapen

Contrary to popular belief, the Kohinoor was not originally misshapen or defective. People have always highly valued for its clarity and impressive size.

Cursed Mughals

Myths often connect the diamond to the downfall of the Mughal empire. However, the acquisition of the diamond occurred long after the decline of the Mughal dynasty due to various factors.

Curse of Kohinoor as a Myth

Many sceptics argue that the Curse of Kohinoor is simply a result of superstition and folklore. They believe that the misfortunes associated with the diamond are just coincidental occurrences.

These theories suggest that the diamond’s turbulent history, marker with conflicts and power struggles. People has contributed to the belief in a curse, even though no supernatural forces involved.

Curse of Kohinoor as Truth

On the other hand, supporters of the curse argue that one cannot dismiss the consistent misfortune surrounding the Kohinoor as mere coincidence.

They point to the untimely deaths, political downfall, and personal tragedies that have affected numerous owners of the diamond as evidence of the curse’s existence. These theorists believe that the curse possesses a spiritual or cosmic power that brings about misfortune to those who possess the diamond without the rightful claim.

Movies or Series About Curse of Kohinoor

The Curse of Kohinoor has fascinated filmmakers and storytellers, leading to its portrayal in several movies and series.

Bollywood film “Kohinoor” (1960)

“Kohinoor” (1960), which tells a fictional story revolving around the curse of the diamond and its effects on the characters.

Television series “Curse of the Kohinoor” (2016)

“Curse of the Kohinoor” (2016), which delves into the legends and tales surrounding the diamond. It is believed to offer different viewpoints on the curse.’

The Curse of Kohinoor remains a subject of fascination and debate, with theories supporting both its existence as a myth and as a truth. While skeptics attribute the misfortunes to coincidence, believers argue that the diamond carries a curse that brings tragedy to its owners.

People believe the curse originated during the Mughal era when they considered the diamond a symbol of power and divine protection. Originally mined in India, the Kohinoor passed through the hands of various rulers and empires, including the Mughals, Persians, and British.

Whether one views it as a mere legend or a cautionary tale of the diamond’s power, the Curse of Kohinoor continues to captivate and intrigue all those who encounter its remarkable story.