The diamond Koh-I-Nor
It is a diamond cut by 108.93 carats, decorating at present the crown of the British royal family. It is exposed with the jewels of British crown to the Tower of London.
Koh-I-Nor means in Persian کوه نور, " Mountain of light ".
This diamond comes from India. Its exact origin is debated.
We find first of all its track in Babur Nama, column of the life of Bâbur. (Bâbur 1483-1530 is a conqueror of India, founder of the dynasty moghole. He indicates the diamond in possession of the Râja de Mâlva in India.
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- Diamant Koh-I-Noor – Koh-I-Noor diamond
It will be then the property of the emperors moghols successive from 1526 till 1739.
It will take his current name only under Nâdir, Shah of Persia, after he had plundered the city of Dehli in 1739. The latter is murdered in 1747. The Afghan Sardar Ahmad khan Abdali (future Ahmad Shah Durrani of Afghanistan) is going to protect his widow. In thanks, she offers him the diamond.
In 1849, it is presented to Queen Victoria. It was then 186.93 carats and was cut again for its current size: 108 carats.
In 1936, it decorates the crown of the Queen of England.
Regularly, India demands the return of the diamond Koh-I-Nor.
