The first diamonds in the world were discovered in India; in the central regions, to be precise. The exact year when the first diamonds were mined is unknown so far, but historians say that the first known record of diamonds dates as far back as the 4th century BC. Diamonds have always enjoyed an aura of mysticism around them, credited mostly to their incomparable ability to refract light. Each type of culture around the world has its own fable around them. In Hindu mythology, for instance, it is said that the wearer of diamonds is safe from evil, poisoning, bandits, and even fire! No amount of learning about India’s diamond history is complete without a look at the Golconda Mines.
Today, they are most prominently known for the Kohinoor Diamond, one of the world’s largest diamonds. The Kohinoor was mined in the Rayalaseema Mines during the Kakatiya Dynasty. Another legendary diamond, the Hope Diamond, was also a child of the Golconda Mines. Most of the world’s legendary diamonds can largely be traced back to these mines; it is quite natural then, that Golconda was a power centre of South India and always under the threat of an attack. The city was also flush with rivers, trade, palaces, forts and a state-of-the-art water supply system. Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb laid an eight-month-long siege around the famous Golconda fort during the Qutb Shahi dynasty. It is obvious that Aurangzeb was after the Kollur Diamond Mine in Golconda, the only known mine at the time. After Aurangzeb won the siege against Golconda Fort, he received some of the biggest and most precious diamonds in the world: The Hope Diamond, The Great Stone Diamond, Kara Diamond, Darya-e-Nur, the Wittelsbach Diamond and The Regent Diamond – diamonds whose legacy is so rich that they are worth billions of dollars.
Naturally, the possession of these diamonds made Aurangzeb the richest and most powerful ruler of his time. Till as recently as the end of the 19th century, diamonds from Golconda were considered the best among the world, making the place synonymous with its diamonds. With the kind of power, value and economic importance attached to diamonds, they quickly became the symbol of status and opulence for rulers in India. It was this opportunity that Jacques Cartier, a French jeweller (of the now world-famous Cartier empire) tapped into on his travels to India. Indian rulers bought diamonds and diamond-embellished jewellery not for their significant others, but to enjoy wearing for themselves. It was a time when men were buying all the jewellery. Emperors were attracted to designs from Europe.
The rajahs wanted to exclusively own all the exotic French and European designs Jacques had for them, and in turn, he took back with him a lot of diamonds, jewellery and inspiration. The value attached to diamonds from brand Cartier today largely has its roots in Jacques’ Indian connection. He was besotted with the Indian way of making jewellery, and of course, India’s incomparable diamonds. Our country has been home to diamonds for thousands of years now, and cherishing their legacy and upholding their values comes very naturally to us.
India is a vast country and a mystery to most. Those who live in it, those who now live outside of India or those who are just visiting. We, at NRIClub™, serve as a centralized hub of information for the residents, non-residents and travellers who are not familiar with various aspects of this great country. We are a unique, online portal providing all of the information to our users that could be relevant to them.
India is a vast country and a mystery to most. Those who live in it, those who now live outside of India or those who are just visiting. We, at NRIClub™, serve as a centralized hub of information for the residents, non-residents and travellers who are not familiar with various aspects of this great country.
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