The tale of the Shyamantaka Mani, an ancient and historic gemstone in Indian history, is believed to be the origin story of the world-renowned Koh-i-Noor diamond. The story of the Shyamantaka Mani spans centuries, weaving together ancient times, history, and politics. This blogpost today delves into the fascinating journey of this fabled gemstone, exploring its transformation from history to sad present and tracing its passage through various dynasties and empires.
The Legend of Shyamantaka Mani
According to ancient Indian history, the Shyamantaka Mani was first acquired by Satrajit, a Yadu king. Believed to have been mined in Panna, the gemstone was said to possess great powers. Upon witnessing its beauty and magnificence, Sri Krishna, a revered Hindu deity, advised Satrajit to present the gem to King Ugrasena. However, Satrajit declined the suggestion and instead gave the gemstone to his brother, Prasena.
Prasena’s untimely demise during a hunting expedition wearing the Shyamantaka Mani led to a series of events involving Sri Krishna, Jambavan, and the eventual marriage of Jambavati (Jambavan’s daughter) to Sri Krishna. Following this, the gemstone was returned to Satrajit, who, in realizing his mistake, married his daughter Satyabhama to Sri Krishna and gifted the gemstone to her.
The Shyamantaka Mani and the Koh-i-Noor Diamond
In the Mahabharata era, Sri Krishna is said to have given the Shyamantaka Mani to Subhadra and Arjuna. Their descendants migrated south, establishing the Kakatiya dynasty in present-day Andhra Pradesh, India. It is believed that during this period, the historic Shyamantaka Mani and the real Koh-i-Noor diamond merged, becoming one and the same.
The Koh-i-Noor’s Perilous Journey: The Koh-i-Noor diamond’s tumultuous history began when Malik Kafur, a general in the Delhi Sultanate, plundered the gemstone from Kakatiya king Prataparudra in the early 14th century. From there, it changed hands between the Khilji, Tughlaq, and Lodi dynasties. In 1526, Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, defeated Ibrahim Lodi and captured the diamond.
In 1540, Mughal emperor Humayun gifted the Koh-i-Noor to Persian King Tahmasp as a goodwill gesture. Eventually, the diamond found its way back to India, where it was acquired by Mir Jumla, a diamond merchant, who presented it to Shah Jahan in Delhi.
During the reign of Aurangzeb, the diamond was cut and reduced to 186 carats. In 1739, Persian ruler Nadir Shah invaded Delhi, capturing the diamond and taking it to Afghanistan. In 1820, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire, conquered Afghanistan and claimed possession of the Koh-i-Noor.
Ranjit Singh intended to donate the gemstone to the Jagannath Temple in Puri, but before he could do so, the British annexed Punjab in 1847. The British East India Company looted the Koh-i-Noor from Ranjit Singh’s 10-year-old son, Duleep Singh, and smuggled it to London. There, the diamond was cut to 106 carats and presented to Queen Victoria as a spoil of war.
The Koh-i-Noor in Modern Times
Since the mid-19th century, the Koh-i-Noor has been part of the British Crown Jewels. It has been set in various crowns and worn by several British monarchs, including Queen Victoria, Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary, and Queen Elizabeth. The diamond is currently on display at the Tower of London, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Controversy and Calls for Repatriation
The Koh-i-Noor’s tumultuous history has been a subject of controversy and debate. India, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan have all laid claim to the diamond at different times, citing historical possession and arguing that the gemstone was obtained through conquest and colonization. These nations have called for the diamond’s repatriation, asserting that the Koh-i-Noor rightfully belongs to them.
The British government, however, has consistently rejected these claims, maintaining that the diamond was legitimately acquired and is an integral part of the British Crown Jewels. While the Koh-i-Noor’s future remains uncertain, its storied past continues to captivate historians and gemstone enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion: The journey of the Shyamantaka Mani, from its mythical origins to its transformation into the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond, is a tale filled with intrigue, adventure, and the shifting sands of history. As the gemstone passed through various hands and traversed vast distances, it became a symbol of power, wealth, and conquest. Today, the Koh-i-Noor remains an enduring testament to the captivating allure of this legendary gemstone and the complex histories of the nations that once possessed it.
