Recently, UK MP of Indian origin, Keith Vaz, claimed that India deserves to get the priceless Kohinoor diamond back from the Brits, joining in the chorus of reparations that Shashi Tharoor recently ignited. The diamond itself, however, has a long, bloody and rather brutal history. In fact, according to the Curse of the Kohinoor - "He who owns this diamond will own the world, but will also know all its misfortunes. Only God, or a woman, can wear it with impunity." From a brief study of the timeline of this stone, you might even start believing this curse! Check out this timeline of the priceless Kohinoor diamond.

1739

Nadir Shah defeats the Mughal Emperor and takes the diamond to Persia. Has it placed on his Peacock Throne.

Source - wikimedia

1800

After Nadir's assassination, his grandson Shah Shuja takes the diamond to Ranjit Singh in Punjab, where it remains till the British take control.


1851

Lord Dalhousie, who acquired the Kohinoor, exhibits it at the Crystal Palace, London. It is later cut from 186 carats to 105 carats.

Source - wikimedia