Kohinoor Display gets a ‘see-through’ makeover at the Tower of London

The Kohinoor diamond, claimed by India, will go on display with a new exhibit at the Tower of London on Friday within a “symbol of conquest” setting to try to contextualize its turbulent colonial history in a transparent, balanced and inclusive way.

Kohinoor, also known as Koh-i-Noor, is part of the new House of Jewels exhibit at the tourist attraction and is accompanied by a video showing the diamond’s journey around the world. The attached labels for specific royal ornaments that Kohinoor has adorned over the years further explain the history of the diamond, which means mountain of light.

“The new exhibition explores the origins of a number of items in the collection, including the Koh-i-Noor, said a spokesman for Historic Royal Palaces (HRP), the charity that manages Britain’s palaces. “It refers to its long history as a symbol of conquest, passing through the hands of the Mughal emperors, the shas of Iran, the emirs of Afghanistan and the Sikh maharajas. We conducted extensive audience research before putting together this exhibition, as well as consulting local community groups and specialist academics, which has informed our approach throughout and shaped our presentation of Koh-i-‘s history. Noor, the spokesman said.

“Our goal throughout has been to present history in a transparent, balanced and inclusive way, always informed by rigorous research, they added. Among the labels to be used, the diamond will be described as a symbol of conquest, to signal that it has had many previous owners, including Mughal emperors, the shahs of Iran, the emirs of Afghanistan and the Sikh maharajas. ”The 1849 Treaty of Lahore forced 10-year-old Maharaja Duleep Singh to hand it over to Queen Victoria, along with control of Punjab. Koh-i-Noor means Mountain of Light’ in Persian, says the label.

A bracelet dating to 1830 is labeled: Queen Victoria received the Koh-i-Noor diamond in 1850, set in this enameled bracelet. Now with replicas, the center stone shows the earlier Mughal cut of Koh-i-Noor. It was cut again in 1852 to improve its luster and to suit European tastes. Featuring Queen Alexandra’s crown from 1902, the label reads: The Koh-i-Noor, sometimes considered lucky, developed a reputation for bringing bad luck to the men who wore it. From 1902 it was placed on the crowns of various queen consorts, beginning with Queen Alexandra’s crown, now set with replicas. The Koh-i-Noor is currently in Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Crown, 1937”.

The exhibition, which will be open until November, has been conceived as a special display of all the jewels that have returned to the Tower of London after their use during the historic Coronation ceremony of King Charles III and Queen Camila. In a diplomatic move, Camilla had conspicuously chosen not to be crowned queen by wearing the Kohinoor as per royal tradition.

“Following the Coronation of Their Majesties King Carlos III and Queen Camilla, we are delighted to present our new Jewel House exhibition, which explores the history of this magnificent collection in more detail than ever before,” said Andrew Jackson, Resident Governor of the Tower of London and Keeper of the House of Jewels.

“The Crown Jewels are the most powerful symbols of the British Monarchy and have deep religious, historical and cultural significance. From its origins to its use during the Coronation ceremony, the new transformation of the Jewel House will present the rich history of this magnificent collection in more depth and detail than ever before, added Charles Farris, Public Historian for the History of the Monarchy. in the Historic Royal Palaces. .

In conjunction with the display, images from the Coronation on 6 May will be featured in a new Crown and Coronation display which will then tour the UK. The Crown Jewels have been kept in the Tower of London since 1661, following the tradition of protecting precious objects in the historic fortress.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency – PTI)