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| Koh-I-Noor |
The Koh-I-Noor diamond,
meaning Mountain of Light and its
double Danya-I-Nur * meaning Sea of Light
were at one time the largest diamonds in the world.
Both these diamonds
originated in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India.
The Koh-I-Noor today is a
part of the British Crown Jewels and is 105 carats--its original size was an amazing 793
carats. The East India Company seized it for Queen Victoria in 1851.
Before the 18th
century this diamond was traditionally known as Madnayak or the King of Jewels. Afghan’s Ahmad Shah
Abdali renamed it Kohinoor.
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| Danya-I-Nur |
In its history, various
Hindu, Mughai, Turkic, Afghan, and Sikh rulers have owned the Koh-i-Noor. Most
took possession of it as part of the spoils of war.
It is said this diamond
brought them all misfortune. A written record from 1304, when Barbur was the
leader of the Mogul Empire, first mentions the stone being cursed.
“He who owns this diamond will own the world, but will
also know all its misfortunes. Only God, and women can wear it with impunity.”
It was during Barbur’s time
the diamond was cut to just 186 carats. The man who did this was severely
punished. When the British took ownership of the stone Prince Albert had it cut
once more--to 105 carats.
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| Koh-I-Noor's original setting. |
Whether one believes in
curses or not this diamond has always been associated with bad luck. All these
rulers while in possession of the Koh-I-Noor experienced violence, murders,
mutilations, torture and treachery.
Many lost their thrones and a
few even lost their lives.
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| Queen Alexandra wearing Koh-I-Noor in her coronation crown. |
The British royal family
knowing of this curse has wisely made sure it is given to the wife of the male
heir to the throne.
In contrast to this curse, it is believed the Koh-I-Noor actually protests woman who
wear it.
* The Danya-I- Nur is the oldest diamond in the
Iranian Crown Jewels--it is 186 carats today.
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