Madan Lal's Blog

Copy of the new cut of the Koh-i-Noor The UK has rejected India’s fresh demand to return its priceless artefacts like Kohinoor diamond and Sultanganj Buddha “stolen” during the British colonial rule, citing a law that prevents it from giving back the items. “The British Museum Act 1963 prevents our national museums from removing items...the government has no plan to change the law,” the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said. It made the statement in response to an appeal by Gautam Sengupta, Director—General of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The ASI is planning to join a campaign with the support of UNESCO and other countries to get back the artefacts. In an interview to The Independent, Mr. Sengupta had said, “As efforts so far to reclaim stolen treasures have proved futile, UNESCO support is required for launching an international campaign to achieve this end” as India’s treasures held abroad are “too long to handle” and require “diplomatic and legal campaign“.

The Mountain of Light or Koh-i-Noor is a diamond that was mined at Kollur Mine, in the present state of Andhra Pradesh in India. It was originally 793 carats when uncut. Once the largest known diamond, it is now a 105.6 metric carat diamond, weighing 21.6 grammes in its most recent cut state. In 1852, Albert the Prince Consort ordered it cut down from 186 carats. The diamond was originally owned by the Kakatiya dynasty, which had installed it in a temple of a Hindu goddess as her eye. The diamond was later confiscated from its original owners by various invaders. Today the diamond is a part of the Crown of Queen Elizabeth (see British Crown Jewels). Glass replica of the Mountain of Light Diamond after its first cut. From the Reich der Kristalle museum in Munich Weight 105.602 carats (21.1204 g) Colour finest white Country of origin India Mine of origin Kollur Mine, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh Cut by Hortenso Borgia Original owner Kakatiya dynasty  Current available in