The Koh-I-Noor Diamond
Iradj Amini
A courtesan had told Nadir Shah that the priceless diamond lay hidden in Mohammed Shah's turban. Citing an ancient tradition, the victor demanded an exchange of headgear. At last the diamond was his. Or was it? Hastily he undid the folds¦ Wonderstruck at the gem's size, brilliance and beauty, he exclaimed, Koh-i-noor'! 1739: the gem now had a name. One fabulous diamond whose value could feed the entire world for two-and-a-half days. Four races: Indian, Afghan, Persian and English, whose destinies were inextricably involved with this gem. A Persian oilman's son who went on to virtually rule Golconda and its vast diamond mines. A Mughal prince, hated by history, who was sinned against as much as sinning. Only an Indian or a Persian could tell this great story with all its nuances.