Key Facts

• The Koh-i-Noor diamond is one of the largest cut diamonds in the world, weighing 105.6 carats.
• It originally came from a mine in southern India around the 14th century and passed through various rulers before British control.
• After the British took over Punjab in 1849, the diamond was given to Queen Victoria by a child ruler under British pressure.
• The diamond was re-cut in 1852 to improve its sparkle, reducing its size from about 186 carats to 105.6 carats.
• It has been part of the British Crown Jewels since 1937 and is displayed in the Tower of London.
• India has requested the return of the Koh-i-Noor since its independence in 1947, viewing it as a symbol of colonial theft.
• Mamdani, whose family background connects to India and colonial history, publicly urged King Charles III to give back the diamond.
• The diamond was not used in the recent coronation of Queen Camilla to avoid diplomatic issues.