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Originated in India
The diamond was originally known as the "Samantik Mani" or the "King of Diamonds" in India.
Samantik Mani
The diamond has a long and complicated history of ownership, with numerous Indian, Persian, Afghan, and British rulers claiming possession of it .
Complicated history
The diamond is said to have been owned by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who is believed to have had it mounted on his throne in the late 17th century.
Emperor Aurangzeb
In 1739, the Persian ruler Nadir Shah invaded India and looted the Mughal treasure, taking the Kohinoor diamond with him.
Mughal Treasure
The diamond was later acquired by the Afghan ruler Shah Shuja Durrani, who was defeated by the Sikh ruler Ranjit Singh in 1813.
Later Acquired
Ranjit Singh added the diamond to his collection and had it re-cut to improve its clarity and brilliance.
Re-cut to Improve
After Ranjit Singh's death in 1839, the diamond was taken by the British East India Company as part of the Treaty of Lahore, which ended the First Anglo-Sikh War.
Taken By The British
The diamond was presented to Queen Victoria in 1850 and has been part of the British Crown Jewels ever since.
Presented to Queen
The exact size and weight of the Kohinoor diamond are unknown, as it has been re-cut several times over the centuries, but it is estimated to be around 105 carats.
Size and Weight