British Prime Minister David Cameron experienced an uncomfortable moment during an interview on Indian television this week, when the interviewer asked him directly whether his government would approve the return of the Kohinoor diamond to India. The 106 carat symbolic Koh-i-noor, will remain in the United Kingdom, says Prime Minister David Cameron, despite requests to return the diamond to India.
The diamond is not only part of the royal diamond collection, it is a reminder of the days when the British Empire was so far reaching, that the sun never set on it. For Indians, however, the diamond is a symbol of colonial exploit.
The Koh-i-noor, or "Mountain of Light" in Farsi, was presented to Queen Victoria 160 years ago by the 11 year-old Maharaja of Punjab after his army was defeated by colonial British forces.
In an interview o on India's NDTV channel Thursday, Cameron said that if the diamond will be returned, "you suddenly find the British Museum will be emptied." But the Kohinoor is not located in the British Museum. The fabled diamond, which was removed from India more than 160 years ago, now forms part of the British Crown Jewels and is located in the Tower of London.
The Prime Minister is on his visit in India to strengthen ties between the UK and India. The TV question and answer may not set the stage Cameron was hoping for.
SEND TO A FRIEND 
PRINT
BOOKMARK
RSS
If you have a JewelleryNetAsia account, please Login. If not, Register Now