The Source Book On Sikhism

Nadir Shah takes Possession of the Gem

At that time Nadir Shah, a shepherd of Persia, gathered strength and after snatching the throne of Persia, crossed the border of Afghanistan. Losing no time he entered Hindustan and Peshawar fell to him like a ripe fruit. When the news of the capture of Lahore reached Mohammed Shah he said, ‘So Nadir Shah has reached Lahore! Nothing to worry about. Delhi is yet far off!’ Nadir Shah reached near Delhi in January, 1739. He entered Delhi without much resistance and was conveyed to the Imperial Palace. Mohammed Shah Rangila feasted the conqueror on a lavish scale. A few days later some Persian soldiers were killed in a skirmish with the Mughal army. When Nadir Shah came out to enquire into the incident a few stones were thrown at him. This aroused the ire of Nadir and he gave orders for a general slaughter. Innocent men, women and children were slaughtered in the thousand and the gutters of Delhi flowed with blood. Mohammed Shah with tears trickling down his checks and on bended knees pacified the wrath of the mighty monarch and soon Nadir Shah put back his sword in the sheath. Mohammed Shah presented Nadir Shah jewels, gold and countless objects of great value. All the treasuries were emptied but the great diamond was not surrendered. Mohammed Shah used to carry it with him in his turban. The secret of this was known to one disloyal eunuch in the Harem. He whispered this secret to Nadir Shah. Nadir Shah, who was a very clever man, hit upon a plan. He declared that being pleased with the generosity of the emperor he had decided to give back his empire to him and ordered public rejoicings. A Durbar was held. When the two kings retired and were alone, Nadir affectionately embraced Mohammed Shah and said that they had become brothers, as a token of which he desired to exchange turbans. Without a moment’s delay, Nadir took Mohammed Shah’s turban off and placed it on his own head and gave his own to the Emperor. Nadir hastened to his room, searched the turban when, lo! the diamond was before him in all its brilliance. He named it Koh-i-Noor which means the ‘Mountain of Light’.

Nadir Shah did not live long to enjoy the fruits of his fabulous loot from India. He was assassinated by his nephew Ali Kuli Khan, who proclaimed himself king and became the proud possessor of the diamond.