The Kohinoor diamond has captivated the world for centuries, not just for its immense beauty but for the dark history and legends surrounding it. This 105.6-carat gem, now part of the British Crown Jewels, once adorned Queen Elizabeth’s crown, but its journey is far more complex. From its origins in India to the hands of various rulers through theft, conflict, and conquest, the Kohinoor’s story is one of power, betrayal, and tragedy.

Discovered in the Kollur Mine of Andhra Pradesh and dating back to the Kakatiya dynasty, the “Mountain of Light” was revered by Hindu kings. However, its path shifted after being seized by Alauddin Khilji in 1310. Over the centuries, the diamond passed through Mughal, Persian, Afghan, and Sikh rulers, with each empire meeting a tragic fate—fueling the legend that the Kohinoor brings misfortune to its male owners.

The diamond played a significant role in the Mughal Empire, shining on Shah Jahan’s famous Peacock Throne. Yet, after Nader Shah’s invasion of India in 1739, the gem traveled through further violence and political upheavals. Eventually, it fell into British hands when the young Maharaja Duleep Singh of the Sikh Empire was forced to sign it over, marking a turning point in its history.

Since then, the Kohinoor has only been worn by women of the British royal family, gracing the crowns of Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary, and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Motheconquestsr. Today, it resides in the Tower of London, a key piece of the Crown Jewels.

But the controversy over its rightful ownership continues. India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran have all laid claim to the Kohinoor, arguing that it was taken unjustly. As a symbol of colonialism, the Kohinoor sparks debate over historical justice and cultural heritage.