After the death of Queen Elizabeth II, where there is a wave of mourning in most Western countries. Discussions are going on in Africa and India about the dark history of British royalty and East India Company. After the death of Elizabeth II, the latest debate has arisen over the crown of the royal family, in which many gems from Africa to India are studded. The most important of these is ‘Kohinoor’ diamond of India, which was taken from India to Britain. Other diamonds of the crown include ‘The Great Star of Africa’ and ‘Second Star of Africa’.

In the last one week, from social media to online websites, there has been a demand to return Kohinoor to India. The 105-carat Kohinoor is one of the largest cut diamonds in the world. Kohinoor was found in India thousands of years ago and it reached the British Empire through the hands of many kings. The funniest thing is that not only India demands the return of Kohinoor, but Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan have also staked a claim on it.

Rather, online petitions have been filed regarding this. Some institutions have directly appealed to the government to contact Britain directly to return the Kohinoor.

What is the Stance of Government and Politics in India?

It is not that the demand to bring Kohinoor to India has arisen only on social media or through online petitions. The Government of India has also tried many times in this direction. India had for the first time demanded to hand over Kohinoor to Britain only after getting independence in 1947. There was a demand from the government for the second time in 1953 to return Kohinoor when the throne was handed over to Elizabeth-II. However, every time the British government turned down India’s demand.

In 2000, there was once again a demand from India to return the Kohinoor. This time members of parliament wrote to the British government to return the diamond. However, the British government made it clear that Kohinoor has many claimants. In such a situation, the true owner of the diamond cannot be traced. Britain said the Kohinoor has been a part of its pride for more than 150 years. In 2016, India’s Ministry of Culture said that it would continue to do everything possible to bring the Kohinoor to India.

However, the British royal family has not issued any statement on returning it or compromising on it. Even the British government has so far rejected the demands for the return of Kohinoor.

When British Prime Minister David Cameron visited India in July 2010, the matter of returning the Kohinoor also arose in front of him. However, Cameron had then said that if such demands were accepted, the British Museum would be empty. Similarly, on a visit to India in February 2013, Cameron again said that Britain cannot return the Kohinoor.