On 29 March 1849, the ten-year-old maharaja of Punjab was compelled to hand over great riches to the British, including perhaps the single most valuable object on the subcontinent: the celebrated Koh-i-Noor diamond, the Mountain of Light. The history of the Koh-i-Noor that was then commissioned by the British may have been one woven together from gossip of Delhi bazaars, but it was to be become the accepted version. Only now is it finally challenged, freeing the diamond from the fog of mythology that has clung to it for so long. The resulting history is one of greed, murder, torture, colonialism and appropriation told through an impressive slice of south and central Asian history. It ends with the jewel in its current controversial setting: in the crown of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
William Dalrymple
William Dalrymple is a Scottish historian, writer, and journalist known for his works on India and the Middle East. His notable works include "City of Djinns," "The Last Mughal," and "Return of a King," which have received critical acclaim for their detailed research and engaging narrative style. Dalrymple's writing blends history, travelogue, and biography, offering readers a rich and immersive experience of the places and people he explores. His works have had a significant impact on the genre of historical non-fiction, shedding light on lesser-known stories and perspectives from the past. "City of Djinns" is considered his most famous work, capturing the essence of Delhi and its complex history with vivid storytelling and meticulous research. Dalrymple's contributions to literature have earned him numerous awards and accolades, establishing him as a leading voice in the field of historical writing.
Other related
The Anarchy
The Relentless Rise of the East India Company
Koh-i-Noor
The History of the World's Most Infamous Diamond
