New York City Mayor Advocates for Return of Kohinoor Diamond to India
During a press conference, Mayor Zohran Mamdani of New York City expressed his support for the return of the historic Kohinoor diamond to India. His comments come as British King Charles III makes his visit to the United States.
“If I had the chance to speak with the King, I would encourage him to return the Kohinoor diamond,” Mamdani stated, ahead of his meeting with the monarch later that day.
King Charles’s Activities in the U.S.
Later, Mamdani had the opportunity to meet King Charles at the 9/11 Memorial. However, it remains unclear if the topic of the Kohinoor was addressed during their conversation.
King Charles and Queen Camilla paid tribute to the victims of the 9/11 attacks at the memorial. Earlier in the week, the King delivered a speech to a joint session of Congress and attended a state dinner hosted by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.
Additionally, the royal couple visited Harlem Grown, an organization that promotes urban farming and supports local families in Upper Manhattan.
Ongoing Controversy Over the Kohinoor
Known as the “Mountain of Light” in Persian, the Kohinoor diamond is one of the most famous and debated gemstones in history. Weighing about 105.6 carats, its current estimated value exceeds $200 million.
The diamond’s origins trace back to the Kollur Mines in southeastern India, believed to have been discovered during the Kakatiya dynasty in the 13th century. It later came into the hands of Maharaja Duleep Singh, the last ruler of the Sikh Empire. After the British annexed Punjab in 1849, the Kohinoor was formally handed over to them through the Treaty of Lahore and was eventually presented to Queen Victoria.
Today, the Kohinoor diamond is housed at the Tower of London, set within the Crown of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. This precious gem has a rich history, having passed through the hands of numerous rulers, including Mughal emperors and Afghan emirs.
The Indian government has indicated its intention to pursue the return of the Kohinoor, continuing the discussion around this internationally recognized symbol of heritage.
