The Source Book On Sikhism

Koh-i-Noor Passes to Abdali

By this time Ahmad Shah Abdali had established himself in Afghanistan and had no difficulty in overthrowing the forces of Shah Rukh Mirza, the grandson of Nadir Shah, who presented the Koh-i-Noor to Ahmad Shah Abdali.

Events were moving fast in Afghanistan. Abdali died and his son Jamna, an unworthy successor to the great fighter, ascended the throne. He clung to the Koh-i-Noor with great tenacity till his death in May, 1793. After changing hands among Jamna’s sons, Koh-i-Noor fell into the hands of Zaman Shah when he was fleeing for his life. He hid the jewel in a crevice in one of the walls of his prison cell. His younger brother Shuja Mirza entered Kabul victoriously and proclaimed himself king as Shah Shuja. He released the blinded Zaman Shah from his prison cell in recognition of which the later presented to him all his jewels including the Koh-i-Noor. Shah Shuja had little respite and made strenuous efforts to retain the throne but failed and was made a prisoner by the Governor of Attack. But before being captured he managed to send his family to the Punjab where they surrendered themselves to Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji.

On hearing the dreadful news of his capture, Wafa Begun, wife of Shah Shuja, sent reliable messengers to Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji to convey to the Maharaja that if by his benevolent efforts, Shah Shuja, was released and brought to Lahore and openly welcomed in the city, a priceless diamond would be presented to him for the favours. The Shah was released from Kashmir through the help of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji and he decided to walk into his parlour. In March 1813, he reached Lahore and was received on behalf of the Maharaja by his son Kharak Singh with great honour and distinction.