The Mountain of Light and the Throne of Glory: The Greatest Treasures of the Mughal Empire

The Koh-i-Noor and the Peacock Throne: The Supreme Treasures of the Mughal Empire

The Mughal Empire, one of the most influential and affluent dynasties in Indian history, accumulated unimaginable riches over the centuries. Among its most renowned treasures were the legendary Koh-i-Noor diamond and the Peacock Throne, both emblems of imperial magnificence and global intrigue. This article delves into the history of these iconic gems, their role in defining Mughal opulence, and how they were ultimately lost to invaders and colonizers, becoming subjects of dispute and yearning in contemporary times.

At the pinnacle of its authority, the Mughal Empire wielded not only vast territories but also a treasury shimmering with gold, gemstones, and invaluable artifacts. The empire's wealth, particularly under emperors such as Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, was so prodigious that contemporary European travelers frequently likened the Mughal court to paradise on Earth.

Among all the treasures that flowed through the hands of the Mughal emperors, two are distinguished by both scale and historical significance: the Koh-i-Noor diamond and the Peacock Throne. Together, they epitomize the zenith of Mughal luxury and recount the narrative of conquest, loss, and colonial exploitation.

The Koh-i-Noor: The “Mountain of Light”

The Koh-i-Noor diamond is arguably the most renowned and contentious jewel in the world. Its origins are cloaked in legend, yet it likely originated from the Golconda mines in present-day Andhra Pradesh, India. By the 16th century, it had entered the Mughal treasury, first recorded during the reign of Babur, the founder of the empire.

In his autobiography, Baburnama, Babur alluded to a formidable diamond he acquired after vanquishing the Sultan of Delhi in 1526. Many historians assert that this was the Koh-i-Noor. It was transmitted through generations of Mughal sovereigns, becoming a herald of dynastic continuity and divine blessing.

Under Shah Jahan, the Koh-i-Noor was incorporated into the Peacock Throne, a masterpiece of Mughal craftsmanship. However, the diamond's destiny turned grim during the eventual decline of the empire.

In 1739, Persian sovereign Nader Shah invaded Delhi. After pillaging the city and seizing its treasures, he transported the Koh-i-Noor along with the Peacock Throne back to Persia. It was during this period that the diamond reportedly acquired its name: Koh-i-Noor, signifying “Mountain of Light. ”

The Peacock Throne: A Throne Like No Other

Commissioned by Shah Jahan, the Peacock Throne was perhaps the most lavish throne ever conceived. It required seven years to complete and allegedly cost over 10 million rupees, an astronomical sum in the 17th century.

Constructed from gold, silver, and thousands of precious stonesrubies, sapphires, emeralds, and pearlsthe throne featured a canopy upheld by columns of emeralds and two peacocks positioned behind it, adorned with jewels and displaying their tails. The Koh-i-Noor and another enormous diamond, the Darya-i-Noor, were set in prominent displays.

This throne was not merely a seat of powerit was a proclamation to the world. It embodied the divine authority of the Mughal emperor and the cosmic order he was believed to uphold.

However, akin to the Koh-i-Noor, the throne's magnificence was ephemeral. When Nader Shah plundered Delhi, he disassembled the Peacock Throne and transported its components to Persia. Some assert that the original throne was obliterated following his assassination in 1747, while others contend that fragments were repurposed in subsequent Persian thrones. Its destiny remains ambiguous.

The Colonial Path and Contemporary Dispute

Subsequent to Nader Shah’s demise, the Koh-i-Noor exchanged ownership numerous times, transitioning from Persia to Afghanistan, then to Punjab. It came into the custody of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Lion of Punjab, who retained it in Lahore.

Following the British annexation of Punjab in 1849, the British East India Company confiscated the Koh-i-Noor and bestowed it upon Queen Victoria. The diamond was recut to enhance its luminosity and became a component of the British Crown Jewels, where it resides to this day, positioned within the crown of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.

This transfer remains contentious, with India, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan each asserting rightful title. The British government, however, has thus far declined to return the diamond.

The Peacock Throne, in contrast to the Koh-i-Noor, was never retrieved. It endures within art, descriptions, and legendsa specter of the Mughal Empire’s golden era.

Heritage of the Mughal Treasures

The Koh-i-Noor and the Peacock Throne are not merely emblems of wealth; they signify the authority, ambition, and eventual decline of an empire that once governed millions. They also serve as poignant reminders of how warfare, conquest, and colonialism can disband the cultural and historical bequest of a people.

Presently, the treasures of the Mughals are subjects of intrigue for historians, collectors, and the public alike. Museums globally exhibit jewels and artifacts from the empire, while South Asians persist in debating the rightful position of their imperial heritage.

As long as these artifacts remain dislocated, they will continue to ignite discourse regarding restitution, colonial inequity, and the safeguarding of heritage.