America’s New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani arrived to meet Britain’s King Charles on April 30, 2026. Earlier he had said that if he talked to the king separately, he would definitely ask for the return of Kohinoor to India. Although, it was not known whether this issue came up in their meeting or not, but this statement has once again refreshed the painful history of this rare diamond and the demand for its return. Let us know in the explainer how precious this diamond is and how much money is required to buy it…

Kohinoor was equal to a hen’s egg

According to the book ‘Kohinoor: The Story of the World’s Most Famous Diamond’, the first mention of Kohinoor is found in Persian historian Mohammad Marvi’s account of Nadir Shah’s invasion of India in 1750. Marvi had seen this diamond with his own eyes and has written that at that time it was embedded in the upper part of Takht-e-Taos. Nadir Shah looted it from Delhi in 1739 and took it to Iran. According to Marvi, Kohinoor at that time was ‘equal to a small hen’s egg’. It is from here that this diamond got its name ‘Kohinoor’ i.e. ‘Mountain of Light’, which was named by Nadir Shah himself.

According to Baburnama, Humayun got this diamond from the treasury after the attack on Agra Fort in 1526 and he presented it to his father Babar. But Babar returned this diamond to him. In Baburnama, the weight of this diamond is written as 36 masha and its price is said to be equal to the expenditure of half a day in the world. It is also said that this diamond was once embedded in the eye of an idol in a temple in South India, from where the Turks might have taken it out.

Noor Bai had informed about Kohinoor

However, this diamond reached Nadir Shah after a clever move. Noor Bai, a court dancer, informed Nadir Shah that Mughal emperor Mohammad Shah Rangeela had hidden the Kohinoor in his turban. On this, Nadir Shah proposed the ritual of exchanging turbans for the sake of friendship and thus Kohinoor came into his hands. When he saw this diamond for the first time, he kept looking at it.

According to the book ‘Kohinoor: The Story of the World’s Most Famous Diamond’, after Nadir Shah’s assassination in 1747, the diamond passed to his Afghan bodyguard Ahmed Shah Abdali and then passed through several hands to Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1813. Maharaja Ranjit Singh used to go out with it tied on his arm during Diwali, Dussehra and big festivals and whenever any British officer came to the court, it was specially shown to him.

After the death of Ranjit Singh in 1839, five-year-old Dalip Singh was made the king of Punjab in 1843 amid a bitter power struggle. But after the British victory in the Second Anglo-Sikh War, a dramatic ceremony took place in the Sheesh Mahal of Lahore Fort on 29 March 1849. Ten-year-old Maharaja Dalip Singh was brought into the British circle wearing a red coat and hat and was made to sign a document under which both the Sikh Empire and the Kohinoor were handed over to the East India Company. At the same time, the flag of the Sikh Khalsa was taken down from the Lahore Fort and the flag of the company was hoisted.

Cholera had spread on the ship carrying Kohinoor

According to the book ‘Kohinoor the Story of the World’s Most Famous Diamond’, Lord Dalhousie himself came to Lahore to collect Kohinoor and took it in his hands after getting it taken out from the Toshekhana. At that time its weight was 190.3 carats. He decided to send it to Queen Victoria in a ship named ‘Medea’. This sea journey was very difficult. The ship’s crew were not even told what they were carrying. Cholera broke out on the ship en route, the Mauritians threatened to fire cannons if it came ashore, and a fierce storm nearly broke the ship in two. It was only when they finally reached England that they came to know that they were bringing Kohinoor with them.

This diamond was given a luxurious welcome in London and it was shown in the Crystal Palace. According to the report of The Times of India, such a large gathering of people has never been seen before in London. Later, Dalip Singh was also brought to London and presented the diamond to Queen Victoria herself in an emotional moment at Buckingham Palace. However, by then its shape had been changed by cutting it. Queen Victoria wore it continuously until her death. Then this diamond was set in the crown of Queen Alexandra and then Princess Mary (wife of George V). Currently, this world’s most famous diamond is kept in the Jewel House in the Tower of London and is a part of the crown of the British monarchy.

Why is the Kohinoor diamond valued so high?

Legends have been prevalent for centuries regarding the value of Kohinoor and the most famous and shocking estimate comes from the historical document ‘Baburnama’. According to Baburnama, Kohinoor was so precious that it could feed the entire world for two and a half days. The price of this diamond was said to be equal to half the world’s expenses. Persian historian Mohammad Marvi has also confirmed in his document that according to the understanding of that time, by selling it, people of the whole world could be fed for two and a half days.

However, it is very difficult to estimate its current value, because it is an ‘priceless’ historical and cultural heritage. It was never formally put up for sale in the market. There is no official price, but gem experts and historians believe that it could be worth trillions or even billions of dollars, making it one of the most expensive things in the world.

Can Kohinoor be sold despite its worth of billions?

This question is at the center of the entire Kohinoor controversy and its simple answer is – no. It is impossible to ‘sell’ Kohinoor in the traditional sense. Even if it is sold somehow, it cannot completely eliminate world poverty.

There are two strong reasons behind its not being sold.

1. Legal and Proprietary Rights: India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran have all, from time to time, staked their historical claims on this diamond and described it as their national heritage. The Indian government has demanded its return several times, although the Supreme Court of India, while hearing a petition in 2017, said that it cannot order the British government not to auction it or return it. The stand of the British government and the royal family has also been clear that this diamond had come to them legally under the Lahore Treaty of 1849 and there was no question of returning it.
2. Kohinoor is not a common diamond: It is a historical and cultural symbol, which has the status of ‘Crown Jewel’. It is an integral part of the crown of the British monarchy and has been set in the crowns of women of the royal family. Selling it in the open market would not only be a legal violation, but would also cause huge damage to the reputation of the British monarchy and create a major controversy.

Experts believe that even if the Kohinoor is worth several billion dollars, it is still a drop in the ocean to completely eliminate global poverty. According to the World Bank and United Nations (UN), trillions of dollars are needed annually to end world poverty. According to an estimate, about 175 billion dollars will be required every year to eliminate poverty by 2030.

In this context, even if the hypothetical value of Kohinoor is assumed to be 10-20 billion dollars, this amount can still eradicate poverty for a few months or one or two years. Cannot eliminate world poverty forever. This question is also wrong because poverty is not just the name of lack of money, but it is the result of inequality, lack of education, health and opportunities. This cannot be solved with a lump sum price.

So will India never get the Kohinoor back?

At present, this most famous and controversial diamond of the world is kept safe in London. It is no longer in the same form as it once was. By cutting and carving it, its shape was completely changed and its weight reduced from 190.3 carats to 105.6 carats. An interesting superstition is also prevalent that this diamond is a curse for men and any man who wears it is doomed, whereas there is no such danger for women. Perhaps for this reason it was always embedded in the crowns of queens and princesses, never in the crown of any king.

Sources in the royal family say that there is no question of returning Kohinoor as it is the property of Britain under legal treaty. Even if it is returned, a big diplomatic crisis would arise as to which country should it be returned – India, Pakistan, Afghanistan or Iran? Because all of them have historical arguments to claim this.

As soon as the month of Ramadan begins, the markets become lively, mosques get crowded and the fragrance of Iftar spreads in every street, but just imagine, what would Ramadan have been like when India was ruled by the Mughals? Did the emperor also fast like the common people? Was there the same peace of worship in the royal palaces or was only grandeur visible there? The pages of history give interesting answers to these questions.

The splendor of Ramadan in the royal era

During the Mughal period, Ramadan was not only a religious month but also an important part of social and cultural life. This month was given special respect in the royal court. Palaces were decorated with lights, Quran was recited in mosques and large scale donations were made for the poor. At that time, as soon as it was time to break the fast, a cannon was fired to give a signal to the city. Due to this, the entire city would know the time of Iftar simultaneously. It is said that at the beginning of Ramadan, an 11-gun salute was given to welcome the holy month.

During the late Mughal era, a procession was taken out from the Red Fort to Jama Masjid on the occasion of the last Friday of Ramadan, which is called the farewell prayer. It was not only religious but also considered a symbol of social unity.

Shahi Iftar and social equality

Mughal emperors used to give grand feasts during Iftar, but their purpose was not just to show off grandeur, but to ensure that no poor remained hungry. In the royal kitchen, different dishes were prepared for Sehri and Iftar – rotis, vegetables, kebabs, sweets and various types of sherbets were made. According to historians, common people, courtiers, soldiers and the needy all participated in these feasts. It is considered an example of social equality, where the rich and the poor used to sit together and break their fast.

Babar’s Iftar

Babar, the founder of the Mughal Sultanate, has mentioned religious discipline in his autobiography ‘Baburnama’. Brought up in Central Asian traditions, Babur fasted during Ramadan and made time for prayers even in the midst of war. His iftar was simple. He also inspired the soldiers to follow discipline and religious duties. His habits included distributing food and money among the poor.

Humayun used to spend time in prayer

Humayun was interested in astrology and Sufi thoughts. During Ramadan, he used to reduce the formal programs of the court, so that more time could be spent in worship. He himself used to recite the Quran and have religious discussions with the Ulemas. Lighting lamps in the shrines of Sufi saints and organizing special feasts were the special features of his era.

How was Akbar’s Ramadan?

Akbar’s attitude was broad and generous even during Ramadan. He used to fast during the middle period of his life and ordered to reduce the noise in the palace so that the atmosphere remains calm. Akbar used to distribute charity on a large scale. Food and clothes were given to thousands of people. Special prayers were offered in the mosques of Fatehpur Sikri. He used to distribute grains and money to help the poor and travelers.

Jahangir used to stay away from alcohol

Jahangir’s name is associated with art and luxury, but he also followed discipline during Ramadan. In his autobiography ‘Tuzuk-e-Jahangiri’ he has written that he used to completely abstain from alcohol during this month. Music and entertainment programs were stopped in the palace. Dates, sherbet, fruits and light food were served in Iftar. He used to take advice from Ulema and maintain a religious atmosphere.

Shahjahan’s pride and charity

The royal culture was at its peak during the era of Shahjahan. A glimpse of this was visible even in Ramzan. After the construction of Jama Masjid, the importance of special worship there increased. Shahjahan himself used to observe fasts and distribute grains, clothes and silver coins among the poor. There was a special celebration of lights and prayers on the night of Shab-e-Qadr. Although the Iftar feasts were grand, he himself preferred simple food.

Aurangzeb’s simplicity

Aurangzeb is counted among the most strict religious rulers. During Ramadan, he used to fast for the whole month and offer long prayers. The work of the court was limited. It is said that he wrote and sold a copy of the Quran himself and donated the money received from it. His iftar was very simple – dates, roti, dal and sometimes light non-vegetarian food. Music and festivals almost stopped.

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Whenever the name of Zaheeruddin Mohammad Babar is taken in Mughal history, the picture of the battle of Panipat and the establishment of the Mughal Empire emerges in the minds of most people, but Babar was not just a conqueror, he was also a poet, writer, artist and sensitive thinker.

By defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, he laid the foundation of a new sultanate in India, but his autobiography Baburnama proves that within him was a man who honestly accepted his failures, emotions and life struggles.

Love and separation in the life of Babar

Babar’s emotional aspects are also reflected in his autobiography. He married his cousin sister Ayesha, but this marriage was unsatisfactory. There is an incident in his autobiography, in which he wrote that there was a boy named Babri in the Urdu market. My mind got distracted towards him and I lost myself. He writes that if he had come forward, I would not have been able to make eye contact out of shame, nor could I have complained if he had not come.

Man and ruler reflected in Baburnama autobiography

In Babur’s autobiography Tuzuk-e-Babri (or Baburnama), he has not only described his rule and wars, but has also depicted his inner loneliness and struggles. He has mentioned in Baburnama that the days I stayed in Tashkent were spent in great sorrow and poverty. The country was gone, there was no hope left and the servants who were with me had also left me due to poverty. A couplet of Babar shows his mental state. ‘Neither do I have friends now, nor do I have country and wealth. I don’t have a moment’s peace, it was my decision to come here, but now it is not possible to go back.

Attitudes towards India and Taimur’s legacy

According to historian Professor Nishant Manjar, Babur’s inclination towards India was not just an ambition, but an economic and political necessity. There were limited sources of revenue in Kabul and there was a dire need of money for governance. That’s why Babar attacked the western part of India several times, but there was also an emotional element behind his coming to India. It is said that an old woman told Babur the stories of Taimur’s conquest of India, due to which the dream of reviving the Timurid Empire blossomed in his mind.

Babar, lover of education, literature and art

Babar was born in Andijan, the capital of Fargana. His ancestors like Genghis Khan and Taimur Lang were not educated, but Babur considered education and learning as the basis of governance. He started education at the age of four years and four days as per Islamic tradition. His literary contribution was so influential that historian Stephen Dale wrote in his book “Garden of Paradise” that Babar’s writing style is as modern and lively as that of today’s era. Many experts have called his prose style the lifeblood of Urdu prose even before Ghalib.

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The Mughals had a lot of wealth from the grounds of Panipat. Mulla Abdul Qadir Badauni wrote in Muntakhab-Ut-Tawarikh that there was about one and a half thousand elephants and such a treasure from the field of Panipat that it could not be imagined. The Mughal army came under possession.

Dr. Ashirvadi Lal Srivastava has written in his book Mughal India that after the fall of Hemu, his army became disintegrated. His wife and father fled to Mewat from Delhi. Mulla Badauni has written that on the second day of the victory, Akbar came to Panipat and he built the tower of cut ends in the battlefield.

‘Mongol used to consider Islam as his enemy’
The first written mention of this type in Indian history is found in 1305 AD when Turk Sultan Alauddin Khilji of Delhi built 2 towers of chopped ends of Mongols at Badaun Darwaza in Delhi. At that time Mongol used to consider Islam as his enemy.

In 1398 AD, Akbar’s ancestor Taimur Lung cut the heads of the Hindu people of Delhi and built their minarets. In 1505 AD, Babur had beheaded the Hindu Afghans living in the Hindukush mountain and made their minarets. In 1526 AD, Babur cut the head of Ibrahim Lodhi’s soldiers in the field of Panipat and built Mund Chaura.

Mund Chaura was made by cutting the heads of enemies
According to Muslim historians, Mund Chaura was made by beheading the enemies in the war. Babur also cut off his soldiers in this Mund Chaure to fulfill his craze.

What does Ghazi’s title mean?
In 1527 AD, Babur assumed the title of Ghazi by building the tower of the severed ends of Hindu soldiers on the hill of Khanwa, which means lightning on Kafir or falling lightning on Kafir.

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Within the Rajya Sabha, the controversial statement of Samajwadi Party MP Ramji Lal Suman on Rana Sanga has warmed the politics of the entire country including Rajasthan. Maharana Sanga became the ruler of Mewar at the age of 27 in 1509 AD after the death of his father Maharana Raymal. He was the most proud warrior among the Maharanas of Mewar. Maharana Sanga fought many wars during his lifetime but the war is remembered with the Mughal ruler Babur, who laid the foundation of the Mughal Empire in India.

The SP MP said in the Rajya Sabha that Babur was brought to Rana Sanga to defeat Ibrahim Lodi. Talking to India Today on this, historians have given their opinion. Babur laid the foundation of the Mughal Empire in India by defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the first war of Panipat in 1526 AD. Since then, the conflict between Babur and Maharana Sanga started. Babur wanted to establish his suzerainty over India after the victory over Ibrahim Lodi, but this was not possible without defeating Rana Sanga.

Rana Sanga dusted Babur

The Mughal Empire founder Babur started his journey towards India long before his victory in Panipat. Babur, a descendant of Taimur and Genghis Khan, was thrown out of his motherland in Fargana, he spent more than two decades in the rugged mountains of Kabul, dreaming of the empire. The losing their ancestral land in Fargana and Samarkand had a huge impact on them and the wealth of India started providing them new possibilities.

After the battle of Panipat, Afghan leader reached the shelter of Maharana Sanga. The front of Rajput Afghan became a cause of fear for Babur. Maharana Sanga conquered Bayana in February 1527, which is said to have an important victory against Babur. The morale of Babur’s soldiers was broken after hearing the valor of the Rajputs.

An arrow in Rana Sanga’s eye

The war began in Khanwa in Bharatpur on the morning of 16 March 1527. The first encounter got the hand of the Rajputs, but suddenly an arrow came and Rana hit Sanga’s eye. He went away from the battlefield and lost the Rajput war. After this, the Mughal Empire was established in India. Babur killed Sanga by poisoning Sanga to avenge the war. Maharana Sanga died at the age of 46 on 30 January 1528 AD.

It has been said many times that the reason for Babur’s arrival in India was the invitation of Rana Sanga of Mewar. This letter was an invitation to defeat Delhi’s Lodi ruler Ibrahim Lodi, which was defeated by Rana Sanga 18 times. According to the report, many references show that Rana Sanga never sent that invitation? This letter was sent by Punjab Governor Daulat Khan to send a letter to Babur so that he could weaken the Sultan of Delhi and join Delhi under his rule.

Who asked for help from Babur?

In 1523, Babur received an invitation from the prominent people of the Delhi Sultanate. Sultan Sikander Lodi’s brother Alam Khan Lodi, Punjab Governor Daulat Khan Lodi and Ibrahim Lodi’s uncle Alauddin sought help to challenge Ibrahim’s rule. According to the historian, the invitation of Rana Sanga has been mentioned in Babarnama, but it is mentioned after the war of Panipat. When Babur Rajput was preparing for the war against the king.

Babur had contacted Rana Sanga

Many historians like GN Sharma and Gaurishankar Hirachand Ojha argue that Babur himself contacted Rana Sanga in the hope of an alliance against his common rival Ibrahim Lodi. Rana Sanga was initially ready for this, but later he pulled back his steps due to resistance of his advisors in the Mewar Durbar.

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