The Source Book On Sikhism

BECOME

And Awaken Their Intelligence.

Chapter Sixty

Biography of Koh-i-Noor

Courtesy of Rajender Singh

The biography of the Koh-i-Noor is the history of India and this unique diamond is perhaps as dear to India as Shakespeare is to England. The name Koh-i-Noor dates back to the Persian invader, Nadir Shah who was so dazzled of the beauty, lustre and brilliance of the diamond that he exclaimed in wonder Koh-i-Noor which means ‘Mountain of Light’. The original name of this diamond is 'Samantik Mani'.

Koh-i-Noor is the most brilliant and the most precious diamond in the world. It has been rightly called the King of diamonds and the diamond of kings. Its entire history is linked with the royal families of various countries and of various ages. It was many a time the cause of the murder of Kings, dishonour of queens and fearful intrigues at royal courts.

India is famous for its diamonds, gems and jewels. Often her precious stones made history. Even the court descriptions in the Ramayana and in the Mahabharata are replete with accounts of the various jewels that were in use. Presents of jewels were made from one potentate to another. In fact, they thus passed from one ruler to another either as presents or as booty.

Muslim invaders who settled in India came under the influence of the Hindu civilization and adopted some of the customs and ways of the people of India; therefore, they too evinced great interest in diamonds.

According to the Hindu lore of precious stones, every stone does not suit all possessors. This perhaps explains why Koh-i-Noor, the biggest and the brightest diamond known to history, brought victory and prosperity to some and ruin and destruction to others.