Legendary Diamonds of the Mughal Empire

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Mughal Empire which once spanned across India, Pakistan and Bangladesh was renowned for its exquisite diamonds and precious gems. Here are four legendary diamonds that showcase the empire's rich history and craftsmanship.

1. The Darya-i-Noor Diamond

Weighing approximately 88.70 carats, the Darya-i-Noor is a stunning pink diamond that was once part of the Mughal treasury. Its name, which translates to "Sea of Light," reflects its exceptional beauty. The diamond is now part of the Iranian Crown Jewels.

2. The Akbar Shah Diamond

Named after Emperor Akbar this yellow-tinted diamond weighs around 88.70 carats and features three inscriptions documenting its royal ownership. Originally part of the Mughal treasury it later reached Russia and is currently displayed in the Kremlin Armoury.

3. The Great Mogul Diamond

This legendary diamond originally weighed approximately 787 carats and is believed to have been discovered in India around 1650. Although its current location is unknown its heritage lives on as a remarkable piece of the Mughal Empire's history.

4. The Kohinoor Diamond

The Kohinoor which translates to "Mountain of Light," is one of the world's largest cut diamonds. First mined in India's Golconda region it passed through various rulers including Emperor Aurangzeb and Queen Victoria. The Kohinoor now resides in the British Crown Jewels.

The Timur Ruby

While not a diamond the Timur Ruby is a stunning example of Mughal craftsmanship. Weighing around 361 carats this irregularly shaped ruby bears the etched names of five prominent owners including Jahangir and Shah Jahan. Its deep red color and intricate carvings make it a true masterpiece.