Consider the following statements regarding Kohinoor Diamond: It is on...
**Statement 1: It is one of the largest and most famous cut diamonds in the world, weighing more than 100 carats.**
The first statement is correct. The Kohinoor Diamond is indeed one of the largest and most famous cut diamonds in the world. It weighs approximately 105 carats (21.6 grams) and is known for its exceptional clarity and brilliance. The diamond has a long and rich history, and its size and beauty have contributed to its fame.
**Statement 2: Both Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb were in possession of the Kohinoor Diamond at some point in history.**
The second statement is also correct. The Kohinoor Diamond has passed through the hands of several rulers and empires throughout history. Shah Jahan, who was the Mughal emperor from 1628 to 1658, is believed to have possessed the diamond at some point during his reign. It was later acquired by his son Aurangzeb, who succeeded him as emperor.
However, it is important to note that the ownership of the Kohinoor Diamond has changed hands multiple times over the centuries. After the decline of the Mughal Empire, the diamond was seized by various conquerors. It eventually came into the possession of the Sikh Empire in the early 19th century. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Sikh ruler, had the diamond in his possession.
After Maharaja Ranjit Singh's death, the diamond was taken by the British East India Company following the annexation of the Punjab region. It was then presented to Queen Victoria in 1850. Since then, the Kohinoor Diamond has been a part of the British Crown Jewels and has been on display in the Tower of London.
In conclusion, both statements are correct. The Kohinoor Diamond is one of the largest and most famous cut diamonds in the world, weighing over 100 carats. It has been in the possession of both Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb, among other rulers, throughout its history.
Consider the following statements regarding Kohinoor Diamond: It is on...
India will soon begin a diplomatic campaign to reclaim the Kohinoor diamond and thousands of other treasures taken by Britain during their centuries-long colonial exploits in the Indian subcontinent.
About Kohinoor Diamond:
- The Kohinoor/Koh-i-Noor diamond (also Koh-i-Nur or Kūh-e Nūr) is one of the largest and most famous cut diamonds in the world.
- The name of the stone is Persian, meaning ‘Mountain of Light’ and refers to its astounding size.
- The diamond originally weighed 191 carats, but it was recut to 105.6 carats to enhance its fire and brilliance in 1852 by Garrard of London, the royal jeweller.
- History:
- It is believed that the diamond was first mentioned more than 5000 years ago in a Sanskrit script, where it was called the Syamantaka.
- After this first written mention, for over 4,000 years, the diamond is not mentioned.
- Up until 1304, the diamond was in the possession of the Rajas of Malwa.
- In 1304, it belonged to the Emperor of Delhi, Allaudin Khilji.
- In 1339, the diamond was taken back to the city of Samarkand, where it stayed for almost 300 years.
- In 1526 the Mogul ruler Babur mentioned the diamond in his writings, Baburmama. The diamond was gifted to him by Sultan Ibrahim Lodi.
- From Babur, the diamond passed to Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb before coming into the possession of his grandson, Sultan Mahamad.
- In 1739, the Persian general Nadir Shah defeated Sultan Mahamad to conquer Delhi – and the diamond. It was Nadir Shah that gave the diamond its current name.
- In 1747, Nadir Shah was assassinated, and the diamond got to one of his generals, Ahmad Shah Durrani.
- A descendant of Ahmad Shah, Shah Shuja Durrani brought the Koh-i-noor back to India in 1813 and gave it to Ranjit Singh (the founder of the Sikh Empire). In exchange, Ranjit Singh helped Shah Shuja get back the throne of Afghanistan.
- In 1849, after the conquest of the Punjab by the British forces, the properties of the Sikh Empire were confiscated.
- The Koh-i-Noor was transferred to the treasury of the British East India Company in Lahore.
- Since 1849, the Koh-i-Noor has been part of the British crown jewels.
Hence both statements are correct.