The Source Book On Sikhism

Hamayun’s Cherished Possession

From the time this unique diamond came into the possession of Hamayun, it emerged from obscurity and came into the limelight forever. Hamayun never parted with it even in his darkest days. Abul Fazal in his Akbarnama relates an interesting story about it. Sher Shah Suri who had established a strong kingdom of his own, wanted to extend his empire and routed Hamayun who fled to Multan first, and then from place to place to seek refuge. In the course of his wanderings, he entered the domain of Raja Maldev in the hope of getting some help which was refused, but the Raja sent one of his courtiers under the garb of a diamond merchant to purchase the diamond. Hamayun was enraged and retorted: 'Such precious gems either fall to arbitrament of the flashing sword or come through the grace of mighty monarchs'. Having lost all hope he left the country along with the diamond which for the first time in its history left the soil of India.

Hamayun reached Persia and was received very cordially by the Shah of Persia and his royal hospitality was enjoyed by him for fourteen years and as a token of gratitude he presented him a number of jewels including this diamond.

The King of Persia was a Shia and was regarded as their head by the rulers of Ahmednagar, Bijapur and Golcunda so much so that ambassadors and presents were exchanged between them. In 1547, the Shah sent his ambassador to Ahmednagar and through him it is believed that this diamond again came back to India, the land of its origin.