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History of Koh-i-Noor Diamond Back in Spotlight as New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani backs its return to India
From ancient Indian mines to British Crown Jewels, the diamond’s journey fuels renewed global debate
Harvinder Kaur
New Delhi, May 1, 2026: The centuries-old journey of the Koh-i-Noor Diamond has once again come under global spotlight after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani voiced support for its return to India, reigniting a long-standing debate over colonial-era artefacts.
Widely regarded as one of the most famous diamonds in the world, the Koh-i-Noor is believed to have originated in the Golconda mines of present-day Andhra Pradesh during the Kakatiya period. Historical accounts suggest the diamond was initially much larger before being cut over time.
The gem rose to prominence under the Mughal Empire and was closely associated with Emperor Shah Jahan, who is said to have embedded it in the famed Peacock Throne. The diamond remained in Mughal possession until 1739, when Persian ruler Nader Shah invaded Delhi and carried it away to Persia, giving it the name “Koh-i-Noor,” meaning “Mountain of Light.”
Following Nader Shah’s death, the diamond passed through Afghan rulers of the Durrani Empire before eventually reaching the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the early 19th century. After his death, political instability in Punjab paved the way for British control.
In 1849, after the annexation of Punjab, the diamond was formally ceded to the British under the Treaty of Lahore during the reign of Maharaja Duleep Singh. It was presented to Queen Victoria and later recut before becoming part of the British Crown Jewels.
The diamond was eventually set in the crown worn by the Queen Mother and is currently housed in the Tower of London. Over the decades, it has remained a symbol of colonial history and a subject of competing claims by India and other nations.
India has repeatedly sought the return of the Koh-i-Noor since independence, describing it as a vital part of its cultural heritage. The United Kingdom, however, maintains that the diamond was acquired legally under the terms of the Treaty of Lahore and has consistently declined requests for its restitution.
The issue resurfaced recently when Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he would encourage Charles III to return the diamond, bringing fresh attention to the historical and diplomatic sensitivities surrounding one of the world’s most contested treasures.