In a recent statement, former Archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Rowan Williams’ successor, Dr. Sam Mamdani, has called on King Charles III to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond to its country of origin, India. The Indian government has been pushing for the return of the 190-carat diamond, which is currently housed in the Tower of London as part of the British Crown Jewels.
The Koh-i-Noor, meaning “Mountain of Light” in Urdu, was acquired by the East India Company in the 19th century and has since been passed down through generations of British monarchs. However, India’s claim to the diamond dates back to the Mughal Empire, which ruled much of the Indian subcontinent from the 16th to the 19th centuries.
Mamdani, who is currently a professor at Yale University, expressed his support for King Charles III to return the Koh-i-Noor to India, citing the historical and cultural significance of the diamond. “The Koh-i-Noor has been a source of great pride and identity for the people of India for centuries,” he said in an interview with BBC Radio 4. “It is only fitting that it should be returned to its rightful owners.”
India’s claim to the Koh-i-Noor is not just based on historical and cultural grounds, but also on international law. In 2019, a United Nations Convention on the Law of Treaties (CET) was adopted by India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, which states that countries have the right to reclaim their cultural heritage when it has been stolen or taken without permission.
The Indian government has long argued that the Koh-i-Noor was acquired through coercion and force, and that its return is a matter of justice and restitution. In 2016, then-Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote an open letter to Queen Elizabeth II, calling for the return of the Koh-i-Noor and other cultural artifacts that had been taken by British colonial forces.
The UK government has so far refused to budge on the issue, citing concerns about the diamond’s historical provenance and the potential impact on national identity. However, with India’s continued push for the return of the Koh-i-Noor, it remains to be seen how King Charles III will respond to Dr. Mamdani’s call.
In a statement released by the British government, a spokesperson said that “the UK is proud of its rich cultural heritage and takes great care in preserving its national treasures.” However, when asked about the possibility of returning the Koh-i-Noor to India, the spokesperson remained tight-lipped.
As tensions between India and the UK over the Koh-i-Noor continue to simmer, it remains to be seen whether King Charles III will heed Dr. Mamdani’s call and return the diamond to its country of origin.
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