The Source Book On Sikhism

Daleep Singh Overwhelmed by Emotion

Taking the diamond in her hand, Her Majesty then advanced to the dais, on which the Maharaja was posed for this portrait and before the astounded young man realized what was passing, he found himself once more with the Koh-i-Noor in his hand, while the Queen was asking him if 'he thought it had improved', and whether he would have 'recognized it again'. At first sight, indeed, he would hardly have done so, the cutting and European setting had so altered its character, yet in spirit of these it remained still the 'Mountain of Light' and it was with some emotion and eagerness that he walked to the window and minutely examined it, making remarks on its diminished size and greater brilliancy, whilst the spectators could not but keep watching his movements with some anxiety. It was a nervous quarter of an hour for Lady Login. But when at length he had finished his inspection, Daleep Singh Ji walked across the room and, with a low obeisance, present the Koh-i-Noor to this sovereign, expressing in a few graceful words the pleasure it afforded him to have this opportunity of himself placing it in her hands. Whereupon he quietly resumed his place on the dais and the artist continued his work.

One cannot say whether the description given above of Daleep Singh Ji's self-possession and resignation must be wonderful.

After the recutting, the Koh-i-Noor was placed in the Royal Crown worn by the Queen of England. Why should the Koh-i-Noor adorn the crown of Queens and not the ruling monarchs or is it so by purpose? Since it had brought misfortune to so many rulers, it was perhaps thought safer to fix it in the crown of King’s consort, rather than in that of the King himself. And so now this historical diamond embellishes the Royal Crown of Queen Elizabeth.

The whole history of this ill-omened diamond is full of contradictory versions and of efforts to possess it. Kings were blinded, murdered and overthrown. In fact, it would not be an exaggeration to say that Koh-i-Noor played a very important part in three countries, India, Persia and Afghanistan before it reached the shores of England to adorn the Crown of the Crown of the Queen of England.