Koh-i-Noor Diamond
Context:
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani recently urged Britain's King Charles to return the historic Koh-I-Noor diamond to India.
He made these remarks during the monarch's visit to the United States to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
Facts about the Koh-i-Noor:
"Koh-i-Noor" translates to "Mountain of Light" in Persian.
It is one of the world's largest cut diamonds, weighing approximately 105.6 carats (or 105 carats) and carries an estimated worth of over $200 million.
The diamond was originally mined in the Kollur Mines of the Golconda region, located in present-day Telangana.
It is believed to have been discovered during the rule of the Kakatiya dynasty in the 13th century.
Over the centuries, the highly coveted gemstone passed through the hands of various powerful empires, including Mughal emperors, Iranian shahs, Afghan emirs, and Sikh maharajas.
The diamond's last Indian custodian was Maharaja Duleep Singh, who was just 10 years old when he was the ruler of the Sikh Empire.
After the British East India Company annexed Punjab in 1849, the diamond was handed over under the Treaty of Lahore and formally presented to Queen Victoria in 1850.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has previously clarified that the diamond was "surrendered" by the Maharaja and was "not handed over" in a voluntary transfer.
Current Status:
Within the British monarchy, the Koh-i-Noor became part of the royal regalia and was worn by Queens Victoria, Alexandra, the Queen Mother, and Elizabeth II.
It currently sits on public display as part of the British Crown Jewels in the Jewel House of the Tower of London.
India's Stance:
In 2016, India officially described the diamond as a "valued piece of art with strong roots in our nation's history".
For many Indians, the diamond's presence in the UK remains a stark reminder of colonial-era exploitation.