Diamonds have the power to change history. Their sparkle and brilliance can cause the unexpected. A massive fort in Hyderabad which sits calmly on a hilltop, called The Golconda, had been witness to the charm and furore that surrounds diamonds. Built initially as a mud fort in early 13th century by a South Indian dynasty called the Kakatiyas, the fort had grown under the tutelage of various dynasties and finally became the capital of the Qutub Shahi dynasty in 1538. Golconda’s legendary mines yielded many diamonds and the fortress was a hub for diamond trade. Let’s have a look at some of the world-renowned diamonds originated at the Golconda Kingdom-
Koh-i-Noor
This diamond whose name means “Mountain of Light” is a large colourless diamond estimated to be found in the 13th century. It was possessed by various rulers in India and finally ended up with Queen Victoria after a British conquest in Punjab in the 19th century. It can now can be seen placed in the British monarch’s crown.
Hope Diamond
The Hope Diamond which got its name from a family called “Hope” who were once of its owners, can be traced back to four centuries ago. This diamond has a rare blue colour to it for which it is widely admired. It had passed the hands of monarchy, nobles and the rich of France, United Kingdom and United States and can now be seen at Washington’s National Museum of Natural History.
Nassak Diamond
This diamond which adorned the shiva linga of Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple near Nashik for almost three centuries got its name from the place Nashik in Maharashtra. The Nassak Diamond disappeared from the temple during the Anglo-Maratha war and later went into the possession of the East India Company. It travelled through London, France and is now in the possession of a businessman from the United States.
Noor-ul-Ain
Noor-ul-Ain which means “the light of the eye” is one of the largest pink diamonds in the world. It was brought to Iran in the 18th century by Persian king Nader Shah from Delhi. The diamond became part of the Iranian Crown Jewels and can be seen at the National Treasury of Iran where it is mounted on a tiara of the same name.
Due to the abundance of diamonds mined at the Golconda and the existence of a thriving diamond trade within its borders, the name Golconda had become synonymous with diamonds and wealth in general. Today, it stands as a testimony to its glorious past and is undoubtedly one of the most magnificent fortress complexes in India with every nook and corner of the fort-city telling an interesting story of wealth, war and wisdom.
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