Who stole the Kohinoor Diamond? This question has intrigued historians, collectors, and diamond enthusiasts for centuries. The Kohinoor Diamond, also known as the Mountain of Light, is one of the most famous and valuable diamonds in the world. Its origins can be traced back to the Indian subcontinent, and its journey through history is filled with tales of theft, conquest, and power struggles.
The Kohinoor Diamond was originally found in the Kollur Mine in India, and it is believed to have been discovered in the 13th century. The diamond was named after the Hindu god of love, Kohenur, and it was said to possess mystical powers. Over the years, the diamond changed hands several times, from the Mughal Empire to the British Empire, and eventually to the Indian government.
One of the most famous thefts of the Kohinoor Diamond occurred in 1849, when it was stolen from the treasury of the Sikh Empire in Lahore, Punjab. The diamond was taken by the British East India Company, which was then ruling over India. The theft was carried out by a British soldier named George Sutherland-Leveson-Gower, who was serving as the military secretary to Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-General of India.
According to reports, Sutherland-Leveson-Gower managed to steal the diamond by hiding it in his boot. He then traveled to London, where he presented the diamond to Queen Victoria. The queen was so impressed by the diamond’s beauty and size that she decided to keep it in the British Crown Jewels. Since then, the Kohinoor Diamond has been a symbol of British power and wealth.
The theft of the Kohinoor Diamond has been a source of controversy and resentment in India. Many Indians believe that the diamond was stolen from their country and that it should be returned. The Indian government has repeatedly requested the British government to return the diamond, but the British government has refused, claiming that the diamond is part of the British Crown Jewels and cannot be returned.
The Kohinoor Diamond’s journey through history is a testament to the power of jewels and the greed of humans. Its theft and subsequent ownership by the British Empire have left a lasting impact on India’s history and its relationship with the UK. As the debate over the Kohinoor Diamond continues, it remains a symbol of the complex and often contentious relationship between India and the British Empire.
