The Legend and Curse of the Crown Jewel That Even the Royals Are Wary Of

The 105 carat Koh-i-Noor was once known as the largest diamond in the world — and comes with a curse. Legend states that the diamond is 5,000 years old, and is also referred to as the Syamantaka jewel.

Kōh-i Nūr means “Mountain of Light” in Persian, and was 186 carats (or 37.2 g) before Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband, had it re-cut after reports of his “disappointment” with the appearance of the uncut stone, reducing its weight by 42 percent.

It has belonged to various Hindu, Mughal, Turkic, Afghan, and Sikh rulers, who have continued to fight bitterly over it at various points in history, seizing it as spoils of war, time and time again. It currently sits in the Tower of London in the United Kingdom, after it was given to them by the Sikh King, Ranjit Singh.

The legend

Legend has it that whoever owns the Kohinoor will also own the world. So, for centuries kings have fought over the possession of the uncut stone. For most of the past century, four countries have continued to argue about who should keep the now cut stone.

The curse

Although the legend has its advantages, there are also some draw backs. The curse of the Kohinoor Diamond dates back to a Hindu text, which is also the first authenticated appearance of the diamond in 1306.

The curse states that even though the owner may own the world:

“He will also know all its misfortunes,” and, 

“Only a God, or a woman, may wear it with impunity.”  

Throughout the history of the stone, its owner’s history has been filled with violence, murders, mutilations, torture, and treachery. Whether you believe in the curse of the Kohinoor Diamond its history is undeniable, and is enough to make people cautious.

Even the British Royal family, who are obviously aware of the curse, have taken precautions after coming into its possession, with Queen Victoria stating only the wife of the male heir to the British throne may wear it.

To read more go to Vision Times