The Kōh-i Nūr ( "Mountain of Light"; also spelled Kohinoor, Koh-e Noor or Koh-i-Nur)
is a 105 carat (21.6 g) diamond that was once the largest known diamond in the world.
The Kohinoor originated at Golconda in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India, belonged to
various Indian and Persian rulers who fought bitterly over it at various points in history,
and seized as a spoil of war, became part of the British Crown Jewels when British Prime
Minister Benjamin Disraeli proclaimed Queen Victoria "Empress of India" in 1877.
Like all significant jewels, the Kohinoor has its share of legends. It is reputed to bring
misfortune or death to any male who wears or owns it. Conversely, it is reputed to bring
good luck to female owners.

Koh-i-Noor (Mountain of Light)

Koh-i-noor: the name means Mountain of Light. The diamond called the Koh-i-noor is one of the most
famous of the Crown Jewels of Great Britain. It is not the largest diamond in the world, nor is it the
most valuable, in monetary terms. Whether or not it is the most beautiful is a matter of opinion; but or
all existing jewels, it has the longest history in legend, and the most colourful history in fact.
Diamonds are symbols of eternity. The word comes from the Greek adamas, meaning unalterable
and indomitable. This, and the poetic name 'Mountain of Light', together indicate the reasons for the
high regard in which diamonds have always been held: their beauty and their endurance. Diamonds
are one of the hardest natural substances in the world, and many of their uses nowadays are for
industrial purposes. But for thousands of years previously they were sought for their beauty, and
by their rarity became the province of kings.
The Koh-i-noor was found in an Indian mine, probably more than three hundred years ago, and as
the fortunes of India have varied in those three centuries, so the Koh-i-noor has changed hands
from one conqueror to another. Through the changes, this special diamond has gradually acquired
its own particular symbolism. It has meant different things to different people; to many, it has been
an emblem of power and conquest and empire. To others, it has represented something more
peaceful, and is an image of union, factually and philosophically. Diamonds as fact, symbol and
legend are woven inextricably into the paradox of Indian society, simultaneously changeless
and everchanging.
This marriage of constancy and variability can be a difficult concept for many Western minds, but
it is this very concept which makes the Koh-i-noor a jewel literally beyond price, for the story of
the Koh-i-noor reflects the history of the subcontinent of India. It is a turbulent story, sometimes
cruel and violent, sometimes peaceful and calm; and it starts not three hundred years ago, but
three thousand years ago, in India's oldest legends.
Koh-i-noor, 'mountain of light', the world's most fabulous jewel, is now part of the Crown Jewels
of Great Britain. Not the largest diamond in the world, it is, however, the best known and has the
longest recorded history both in legend and in fact. It has been worshipped as a sun god's necklace,
fought over as a prince's ransom and celebrated as a symbol of eternity.
The diamond was found in India three hundred years ago and its passage from conqueror to
conqueror reflects the turbulent history of that land. It became an emblem of power, conquest and
empire for some and a symbol of peace and unity for others. And its dual nature, at once changeless
and ever-changing, has formed an integral part of Indian mythology and legend for over three
thousand years. Stephen Howarth has brought together for the first time the entire mythological and
factual history of this unique jewel, the owners of which have ruled—and lost—some of the greatest
empires in the world.

'Such jewels cannot be bought. Either they are won in battle, or they are passed on as an
honourable gift'

Emperor Humayun (ruled A.D. 1526-50)