Kohinoor diamond back in focus as Zohran Mamdani calls for its return to India

The Kohinoor diamond has once again entered public discussion after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he would encourage Britain’s King Charles to return the historic gem to India. His comment came during a press interaction ahead of a ceremony marking the victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks. Later the same day, he also briefly met the British monarch.

According to NDTV report, Mamdani said, “If I were to speak to the king separately from that, I would probably encourage him to return the Koh-i-Noor Diamond.” His remarks quickly drew attention online and revived long-standing debates over colonial-era artefacts and ownership claims.

What is the Kohinoor diamond?

The Kohinoor, meaning “Mountain of Light” in Persian, is one of the world’s most famous diamonds. It currently weighs around 105.6 carats and is widely regarded as one of the most historically significant gemstones in royal collections.

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The diamond is believed to have originated from the Kollur Mines in the Golconda region, now in present-day Telangana. Historians trace its early existence to the rule of the Kakatiya dynasty in the 13th century.

A long journey through empires

Over the centuries, the Kohinoor passed through several powerful dynasties and empires. It was owned at different times by Mughal emperors, Persian rulers, Afghan leaders and Sikh maharajas.

The diamond eventually came into the possession of Maharaja Duleep Singh, the last ruler of the Sikh Empire. In 1849, after the British annexed Punjab, the gem was transferred to the British under the Last Treaty of Lahore and later presented to Queen Victoria.

Part of the British Crown Jewels

Since then, the Kohinoor has remained closely linked to the British monarchy. It was worn by Queen Victoria and later appeared in crowns used by Queen Alexandra, Queen Mother Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon and Queen Elizabeth II.

Following Queen Elizabeth II’s death, the diamond remained part of the Crown Jewels housed at the Tower of London. It was not used in the coronation ceremony, where Queen Camilla wore Queen Mary’s Crown.

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Why the debate continues

India has repeatedly said the Kohinoor is an important part of its heritage, and many view its presence in the UK as tied to the colonial period. Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran have also made claims over the diamond at different times.

Mamdani’s recent statement has once again brought global attention to one of the world’s most debated jewels, highlighting how historical objects continue to carry political and cultural significance even today.