The Great Mogul is believed to have come from the Kollur Mine in 1650 and gifted to Shah Jahan, the 5th Mughal Emperor. It was the largest diamond to ever be mined in India at 787 carats. The Kollur Mine was famous for many diamonds mined out of it. Operating between the 16th and 19th centuries, some other notable diamonds discovered in its depths were the Tavernier Blue Diamond (later to become the Hope Diamond), the Orlov Diamond, and the Dresden Green Diamond.
Shah Jahan reigned from 1628 to 1658. He is most noted for commissioning the construction of the Taj Mahal, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Taj Mahal is a beautifully built mausoleum and houses the tomb of Shah Jahn and his most loved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
After Shah Jahan’s death, the Great Mogul Diamond is known to have resided with Shah Jahan’s third son, Aurangzeb, who had seized control of the throne and took over all possessions. Record of the diamond in his reign is noted in the famed French Jeweler’s, Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, journal. He described the jewel as one of the most impressive diamond he had ever seen, but with a small flaw and crack at its lower edge.
This 1665 handling is the last known written account of the diamond. It disappears from history and its whereabouts today remains a mystery. It is a lost treasure.
It is thought to have been looted when India was invaded in 1739 by Persian ruler Nadir Shah. Nadir Shah took many precious jewels, even the Peacock Throne, which held numerous other priceless gems and treasures of the Mughal emperors.
The lost treasure of The Great Mogul is thought to have been cut into smaller pieces and used to adorn other cherished objects, but this is not for certain. There isn’t any record of its fate.
Might it still be its original size and splendor, lost for someone someday to discover?
We can only hope!
Best of luck with all that you seek! Always treasure the adventure!
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