The Koh-i-Noor: How Punjab Became Home to the World's Most Famous Diamond

The Koh-i-Noor, meaning "Mountain of Light," is one of the world's most famous diamonds, with a history that spans several empires. Although many legends surround its origins, historians suggest that much of its early history is based on folklore rather than confirmed evidence. The diamond passed through the Mughal, Persian and Afghan rulers before arriving in Punjab in 1813, when Maharaja Ranjit Singh acquired it from the exiled Afghan ruler Shah Shuja after weeks of negotiations. Under the Sikh Empire, the Koh-i-Noor became a powerful symbol of sovereignty and prestige. Following the annexation of Punjab in 1849, it was surrendered to the British under the Treaty of Lahore and eventually became part of the British Crown Jewels. Today, the Koh-i-Noor remains one of the world's most debated cultural treasures, symbolising both imperial history and ongoing discussions about heritage and ownership.

By Punjab In a Minute