Twitter users want Britain to return the Kohinoor diamond. Here’s what to know about its turbulent history.
"It has a history of being part of war booty or trophies taken as the result of war in South Asia. So in a lot of ways, it is a symbol of plunder and represents the long history of plunder imperialism,” a history professor said.
The online jokes aside, many point to the serious colonial history behind Britain’s possession of the diamond. “The actual histories of British imperialism tell a much different story, one of horrific violence, dispossession, prejudice and significant economic exploitation,” she said. “I think people are outraged by how the Kohinoor continues to function as a trophy of empire as long as it remains in the crown’s possession.”
“He had visions of it becoming the centerpiece of the British imperial crown and had visions of himself becoming famous for facilitating the crown’s appropriation of the stone,” she said. A combination of the scandal about the East India Company’s plunder imperialism in India and the rumor of the diamond's curse lingered, so the Kohinoor never became the exalted gemstone in the imperial crown in the way that Dalhousie had envisioned, she said.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Here are the top concerns of ultra-rich investors in Asia-PacificAPAC super-rich investors are diversifying into more conservative assets and the wait-and-see approach at the onset of the pandemic is over.
Read more »
Shanghai, Mumbai, Melbourne and beyond: CNBC names the best Asia-Pacific hotels for business travelAfter months of research, CNBC and Statista release the rankings of the best hotels for business travelers in 47 cities in Asia-Pacific.
Read more »
Asia-Pacific Markets Set to Trade Higher as Risk Sentiment ImprovesFutures in the Asia-Pacific pointed to a higher open Monday as risk sentiment improves.
Read more »
Sri Lanka defeat Pakistan to clinch sixth Asia Cup titleSri Lanka have been crowned champions, with Bhanuka Rajapaksa's batting pyrotechnics and Wanindu Hasaranga's all-round brilliance securing their 23-run victory.
Read more »
Xi to visit central Asia in 1st trip abroad since pandemicBEIJING (AP) — China's leader Xi Jinping will travel to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan starting Wednesday in his first trip abroad since the early days of the pandemic two years ago.
Read more »
Printers Row Lit Fest returns to South LoopVisitors were able to browse titles from 100 independent bookstores.
Read more »