New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said he would encourage King Charles III to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond to India. He made the remark during a press interaction ahead of a ceremony commemorating the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Later that day, Mamdani briefly met the British monarch.
“If I were to speak to the king separately from that, I would probably encourage him to return the Koh-i-Noor Diamond,” Mamdani said.
All About the Koh-i-Noor
The Koh-i-Noor, meaning “Mountain of Light” in Persian, remains one of the world’s most famous and controversial gemstones. The diamond weighs about 105.6 carats and experts estimate its value at over $200 million.
Historians trace its origins to the Kollur Mines in the Golconda region, now located in Telangana. Many accounts suggest rulers of the Kakatiya dynasty first discovered the diamond in the 13th century.
Over the centuries, several powerful dynasties possessed the gem. Mughal emperors, Persian rulers, Afghan leaders and Sikh maharajas all held it at different points in history.
The diamond eventually came into the possession of Maharaja Duleep Singh, the last ruler of the Sikh Empire. British authorities annexed Punjab in 1849 when Duleep Singh was around 10 years old. That year, the Last Treaty of Lahore formalised the transfer of power, and officials handed over the diamond to the British. They later presented it to Queen Victoria.
In response to an RTI query, the Archaeological Survey of India stated that the Maharaja of Lahore “surrendered” the diamond to the Queen of England and that it was not transferred voluntarily nearly 170 years ago.
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Role in the British Monarchy
The Koh-i-Noor has long formed part of British royal regalia. Queen Victoria wore the diamond, and it later appeared in crowns used by Queen Alexandra, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, and Queen Elizabeth II.
After the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the Crown Jewels, including the Koh-i-Noor, remained housed at the Tower of London.
Although royal tradition once suggested the gem would continue to feature in coronation ceremonies, Queen Camilla did not wear it during the recent coronation, opting instead for Queen Mary’s Crown.
India’s Claim
India has repeatedly asserted that the Koh-i-Noor forms an important part of its cultural and historical heritage. Many view its presence in the United Kingdom as a legacy of colonial rule. The debate over its return continues to resurface in diplomatic and political discussions.
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