The Kohinoor diamond, one of the most desirable and famous gems in the world, continues to captivate with its storied history and immense value. Currently housed in England, the Kohinoor, whose name is derived from the Persian word meaning “Mountain of Light,” was originally discovered in a mine in India. Its current value is estimated at an astonishing Rs 1.67 lakh crore.
For perspective, Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani’s residence, Antilia, widely regarded as the world’s most expensive building, is valued at Rs 15,000 crore. This means that the price of the Kohinoor diamond could fund the construction of eleven Antilias.
Historians trace the origins of the Kohinoor to the Kollur mine near Golconda Fort, located in present-day Andhra Pradesh. The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan was the first among the Mughal rulers to receive the diamond, which was presented to him by Mir Jumla, the vizier of Abdullah Qutb Shah, the Sultan of Golconda. According to historical accounts, Mir Jumla, discontented with Abdullah Qutb Shah’s rule, sought to curry favor with Shah Jahan by gifting the Kohinoor, hoping to draw the Mughal emperor’s attention to Golconda. Shah Jahan subsequently had the diamond embedded in the legendary Peacock Throne, which was later inherited by the Mughal king Muhammad Shah.
In 1739, the Kohinoor was seized by King Nadir Shah of Iran during his invasion of India. The diamond remained in Iran until it was returned to India by King Shuja Shah of Afghanistan, who presented it to Maharaja Ranjit Singh. However, the British eventually took possession of the Kohinoor from Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and the precious gem was transported to England, where it remains to this day.
