'Kohinoor: The Story of the World's Most Infamous Diamond' by William Dalrymple is a meticulously researched and captivating account of the legendary Koh i Noor diamond's journey through history. The narrative delves into the origins of the diamond, tracing its passage from the Mughal Dynasty in India to various rulers in Afghanistan, Iran, and ultimately to the British monarchy. Through detailed storytelling, the authors shed light on the controversies, myths, and historical events surrounding the Koh i Noor, making it a compelling read for history enthusiasts.
not only explores the physical journey of the Koh i Noor diamond but also delves into the intricate stories of the rulers who possessed it, such as Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Mughals, and the British monarchy. The writing style seamlessly weaves together historical facts, legends, and personal anecdotes, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the significance and impact of this iconic gemstone across different cultures and time periods.
Genres:
Topics:
Notes:
From The Publisher:
From the internationally acclaimed and bestselling historians William Dalrymple and Anita Anand, the first comprehensive and authoritative history of the Koh-i-Noor diamond, arguably the most celebrated jewel in the world.
On March 29, 1849, the ten-year-old leader of the Sikh kingdom of the Punjab was ushered into the magnificent Mirrored Hall at the center of the British fort in Lahore, India. There, in a formal Act of Submission, the frightened but dignified child handed over to the British East India Company swathes of the richest land in India and the single most valuable object in the subcontinent: the celebrated Koh-i-Noor diamond, otherwise known as the Mountain of Light. To celebrate the acquisition, the British East India Company commissioned a history of the diamond woven together from the gossip of the Delhi Bazaars. From that moment forward, the Koh-i-Noor became the most famous and mythological diamond in history, with thousands of people coming to see it at the 1851 Great Exhibition and still more thousands repeating the largely fictitious account of its passage through history.
Using original eyewitness accounts and chronicles never before translated into English, Dalrymple and Anand trace the true history of the diamond and disperse the myths and fantastic tales that have long surrounded this awe-inspiring jewel. The resulting history of south and central Asia tells a true tale of greed, conquest, murder, torture, colonialism, and appropriation that shaped a continent and the Koh-i-Noor itself.
What can you read after
Kohinoor: The Story of the World’s Most Infamous Diamond?
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
