The Kohinoor diamond, which is claimed by India, will be displayed in a new exhibition at the Tower of London. The exhibition aims to provide a transparent and balanced portrayal of the diamond’s turbulent colonial history and will include a video that charts its journey around the world. The diamond will be described as a “Symbol of Conquest” as it has passed through many different hands including Mughal Emperors, Shahs of Iran, Emirs of Afghanistan, and Sikh Maharajas. The exhibition runs until November and coincides with the return of all the jewels used during the historic Coronation ceremony of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
The Crown Jewels have been kept at the Tower of London since 1661 and are considered to be the most powerful symbols of the British Monarchy. The new exhibition aims to present the rich history of this magnificent collection in more detail than ever before. The Kohinoor diamond is currently set in Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Crown, which was created in 1937.
The diamond was originally mined and crafted in India and has since been passed down through many different owners. The 1849 Treaty of Lahore compelled 10-year-old Maharaja Duleep Singh to surrender it to Queen Victoria, along with control of the Punjab. The diamond means “Mountain of Light” in Persian and has been described as both lucky and unlucky throughout history. It has adorned many specific royal ornaments over the years, which will be explained in the exhibition through attached labels.
The exhibition has been carefully researched and developed with extensive audience research, consulting local community groups and specialist academics in order to provide a transparent, balanced, and inclusive presentation of the Kohinoor’s story. The exhibition will also include imagery from the Coronation on May 6, which featured King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The Crown and Coronation display will tour the UK after being featured at the Tower of London.
