The Curse of the Koh-i-Noor Diamond

Why This Legendary Gem Is Said to Doom Male Rulers

Details

The Koh-i-Noor diamond, one of the most storied and sought-after gems in history, is widely believed to bring devastating misfortune to any man who possesses it, while female owners remain protected. The curse allegedly explains the violent deaths, dethronements, and defeats of many male rulers who once controlled the diamond. This belief has influenced how the diamond has been handled and worn within the British royal family for over a century.

The diamond, now weighing around 105 carats, has passed through the hands of numerous empires, including the Mughals, Persians, Afghans, Sikhs, and British. In nearly every case, its male rulers faced tragedy or political downfall—fueling belief in its curse.

Historical Context

The Koh-i-Noor’s fearsome reputation grew alongside its long, turbulent history:

Origins: Mined in India, likely in the Golconda region, the diamond appears in records as early as the 13th century.
Royal Misfortunes:
- Mughal ruler Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal, was imprisoned by his own son.
- Persian ruler Nader Shah, who looted the gem in 1739, was later assassinated.
- Ranjit Singh of Punjab acquired the diamond, but his heirs quickly lost control of the region to the British.
British Acquisition: Following the annexation of Punjab in 1849, the British East India Company presented the diamond to Queen Victoria. After Prince Albert had it recut, it was worn exclusively by queens or queen consorts, beginning a tradition based on the belief that male ownership would invite disaster.

This gender-specific curse was not part of the diamond’s early lore but evolved in the Victorian era as a way of reconciling the gem’s bloody history with British imperial symbolism.

Modern Relevance

The Koh-i-Noor remains a powerful symbol of colonial legacy and contested heritage. It is currently mounted in the Queen Mother’s Crown and housed in the Tower of London. In modern times, it has stirred international debate, particularly concerning rightful ownership. India, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan have all issued formal demands for its return.

The superstition of male misfortune persists: no British king has ever worn the Koh-i-Noor. When Queen Elizabeth II passed away in 2022, the future of the gem once again drew media attention, with articles frequently referencing the curse. Discussions about whether Queen Camilla would wear it at her coronation reignited cultural and diplomatic sensitivities surrounding both the diamond’s history and its eerie reputation.

The Koh-i-Noor remains an enduring example of how superstition, politics, and historical trauma intersect in a single object.

Sources

Dalrymple, W., & Anand, A. (2017). Koh-i-Noor: The History of the World’s Most Infamous Diamond. Bloomsbury Publishing.
Kinsey, D. (2009). “Koh-i-Noor: Empire, Diamonds, and the Performance of British Imperial Culture.” Journal of British Studies, 48(2), 391–419.

Quick Facts

Related Superstitions

A baby’s future career or fate is predicted by the first object they select during a ceremonial setup.

In several Asian and Eastern European cultures, a traditional ceremony is held for babies usually around their first birthday. Known

Why Superstitions Persist in Modern Times

Despite widespread access to scientific knowledge and rational frameworks, superstitions continue to influence everyday behavior across cultures and demographics. From