Latest news with #Koh-i-Noor
India.com
11-07-2025
- India.com
Hyderabad's Legends Aren't Just Stories — They're Alive In Every Corner Of The City
The Indian city of Hyderabad serves as Telangana's capital and it holds historical significance along with cultural heritage and folklore background. Over generations local myths and legends combined with historic marvels including Charminar and Golconda Fort while biryani became the hallmark of Hyderabad which established the identity of this culturally rich city. The old stories which have been transmitted over multiple generations show how Hyderabad combines traditional elements with spiritual aspects and mystery. Legend of Qutb Shahi Tombs The Qutb Shahi dynasty maintained power over the Hyderabad region between 1518 and 1687 as one of its most famous Hyderabad legends. The Qutb Shahi dynasty ruled Hyderabad through generations as artistic supporters who constructed two famous landmarks: Golconda Fort and Charminar. According to lore their burial places hide within proximity to Golconda Fort. According to belief each royal tomb received its design exclusively based on how the monarch lived their life. The founder of Hyderabad Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah is buried beneath a magnificent mausoleum that features exquisite artwork. Local residents believe that the spirit of Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah remains vigilant over his constructed city because he provided sustained prosperity to its citizens after his death. Districts of Hyderabad attract numerous worshippers whose belief in sacred energy at these sites motivates their visits. Mystical Origins of Charminar Numerous legends surround the most recognizable landmark of Hyderabad which is the Charminar. The structure was constructed by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah during 1591 and it signifies the final point of a dreadful plague epidemic. The Sultan made a promise to construct a mosque on the site where he received comfort during his plague-prayer which led to the development of the Charminar. The four minarets of Charminar represent the first four caliphs of Islam in order to convey strength and unity according to popular myth. Those who walk under the Charminar arches consider it a way to obtain good luck and protection against evil spirits. The widely held belief about the structure transformed Charminar into a symbolic religious attraction for both residents and outsiders. Enigmatic Koh-i-Noor Diamond The link between Hyderabad and the famed Koh-i-Noor diamond gives the city an extra touch of historical depth. The diamond holds unique status as one of the world's largest and most well-known gems because people believe it was extracted from Kollur Mines near Golconda during the Kakatiya dynasty period. The gem has been transferred between different owners across history yet its Golconda affiliation retains great importance. The local belief exists that people who hold the Koh-i-Noor diamond must expect bad luck unless destiny declares them for rule. The curse assigns bad fortunes to all owners due to its mysterious power that supposedly doomed Mughal emperors and Persian conquerors and British monarchs. Locals in Hyderabad maintain a strong sense of pride toward the Koh-i-Noor diamond because it remains displayed at the Tower of London even though its historical origins belong to Golconda. Sacred Story of Hussain Sagar Lake The artificial Hussain Sagar lake serves as a cultural and religious landmark because it integrates Hyderabad with its twin city Secunderabad. The lake construction began in 1563 under the leadership of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah and honored the spiritual leader Hussain Shah Wali. Local traditions say that the waters of Hussain Sagar achieve healing properties because they receive blessings from the saint Hussain Shah Wali. A contemporary story exists about the placement of the Buddha statue on Gibraltar Rock which sits in the heart of the lake. During its ship transport across the water in 1992 the huge stone Buddha statue accidentally sank into Hussain Sagar Lake. The statue survived the accident since no casualties occurred in the incident as it would later become installed properly upon Gibraltar Rock. The strange incident with the fallen Buddha statue on Gibraltar Rock leads many people to believe in divine intervention so they come to view the lake as holier than ever. Haunting Tales of Golconda Fort The historical Golconda Fort rests on a Hyderabad-observant hill that holds the reputation of ghostly tales in addition to its significant historical value. During the time of Abdullah Qutb Shah at his royal court Taramati the courtesan gained fame through her captivating beauty along with her artistic abilities. The legend claims her soul remains in Golconda Fort to haunt the areas where she danced as a courtesan. According to legends there exists concealed treasures positioned underneath the fort's perimeter. Reports among local residents describe hidden underground tunnels that direct people to vaults containing forgotten treasures of gold and jewels. Locals report experiencing both chilling audio communication and unclear shapes which seem to protect the rumored hidden treasures. These genuine or fictitious stories create an eerie fascination around Golconda Fort. Spirit of Osmania General Hospital As one of India's first medical facilities Osmania General Hospital maintains its past together with popular ghost stories. The facility served British colonial rule as an essential healthcare institution upon its foundation in 1919. Time passed and physicians and staff members started sharing their supernatural experiences which spread as rumors throughout both groups. The former patients who died from illness in the medical facility continue to haunt the building per urban legend stories. Employees witness sudden footsteps without human origin and ghostly figures during late nighttime hours. The hospital operates as an essential medical institution for Hyderabad despite experiencing mysterious stories about its paranormal activities. Final Thoughts The city of Hyderabad benefits from its diverse collection of myths and legends which add to its cultural richness throughout its history. These enduring stories provide revelations about the thoughts and beliefs shared by Hyderabad's citizens within the confines of the Charminar's origins and Golconda Fort spectral happenings. Through these memorials Hyderabad maintains its historical greatness as it takes form for its contemporary identity. The narratives serve as more than entertainment because they build both local identity and long-term connection among Hyderabad's residents. The city of Hyderabad maintains its rich heritage through legend preservation and celebration so that future generations can honor their cultural heritage. The city demonstrates the eternal relationship between historic events and mythological tales and human interactions in its present.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Time of India
10 places across the world where most expensive precious stones are found
If the discussion of the Kohinoor diamond always made you curious, or if you keep checking how the gold prices keep soaring, you know you have a knack for gem stones. You would want to know more about other precious stones that are known for their glitter and worth. And it's interesting to note that the world is dotted with glittering corners where the Earth hides its shiniest secrets and they don't come cheap. From emerald-rich Colombian mines to the diamond depths of South Africa, these places are basically some of the best places that are honoured with these dem stones. Whether you're a gem geek, treasure hunter, or just here for the sparkle, here are 10 dazzling destinations across the globe where you get to see the rarest and the precious gems. Mogok, Myanmar – Rubies Canva Nicknamed the 'Valley of Rubies,' Mogok is known to have produced some of the world's finest pigeon-blood rubies, which are deep red-colored stones with a hint of blue. These rubies are not just rare, they're among the most expensive gems on the planet, which can fetch more than $1 million per carat in auctions. Golconda, India – Diamonds Before Africa took over as the diamond capital, Golconda was where these precious stones were mined. This ancient region produced iconic diamonds like the Koh-i-Noor and the Hope Diamond. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Golconda diamonds are revered for their size and near-flawless clarity. Colombia – Emeralds canva Colombian emeralds are the most sought-after in the world, and some of the reasons include rich green hue and excellent transparency. The Muzo, Coscuez, and Chivor mines are especially famous and have been producing emeralds for over 500 years. Sri Lanka – Sapphires The 'Gem Island' of Sri Lanka, particularly the Ratnapura region, yields high-quality sapphires in a range of colours, though the blue variety is most famous. The Ceylon sapphire's brilliance has reportedly adorned royalty for centuries. Read more: O-1 Visa vs H-1B Visa: What's the difference between the two Tanzania – Tanzanite Tanzanite is found only in one place on Earth, a small stretch of land in northern Tanzania. Nestled in the Mererani Hills of the Simanjiro District in the Manyara Region, the mining zone spans just about 7 kilometers in length and 2 kilometers in width. This rare gemstone was first discovered in 1967, near the foothills of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. The mines at Mererani are the only known source, and due to its limited supply, Tanzanite's value has risen dramatically in recent years. Australia – Opals canva Coober Pedy and Lightning Ridge in Australia are considered the opal capitals of the world. Black opals from Lightning Ridge are particularly prised for their play-of-color and rarity, which are sometimes priced at over $10,000 per carat. Russia – Alexandrite Mined in the Ural Mountains, Alexandrite is famous for its color-changing properties—green in daylight and reddish-purple under incandescent light. High-quality Russian alexandrites are extremely rare and expensive. Brazil – Paraíba Tourmaline Paraiba Tourmaline is a stunning gemstone celebrated for its electric blue-green glow and extraordinary rarity. What sets it apart is its vibrant color, owed to traces of copper, a feature rarely seen in other tourmalines. First discovered in Brazil's Paraíba state, it's as rare as it is radiant. Whether dazzling in a ring or lounging raw in a collector's case, no wonder gem lovers worldwide are obsessed. Read more: 5 must-visit ancient sites in India that are older than the Pyramids Madagascar – Various gemstones A gem-hunter's paradise, Madagascar offers sapphires, rubies, garnets, and more. Ilakaka, once a sleepy town, became a gemstone hotspot in the late 1990s and continues to be a major global source. Afghanistan – Lapis Lazuli The Badakhshan region has been mining lapis lazuli for over 6,000 years. While not a precious gem in the traditional sense, top-grade lapis is extremely valuable and was once considered more prized than gold.
Indian Express
30-04-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Daily Briefing: The Army's freehand in Pahalgam response
Good morning, From India's storied Golconda mines—the birthplace of legends like the Koh-i-Noor and Darya-i-Nur—emerged The Golconda Blue, once destined to fetch a whopping $35–$50 million at Christie's. It was poised to become the largest Fancy Vivid Blue diamond ever auctioned. Its anonymous owners have instead opted for a private sale within the family, pulling the gem from public view. But its legacy is anything but quiet. Once owned by the Maharaja of Indore, passed to famed jeweller Harry Winston, and briefly held by the Maharaja of Baroda, the Golconda Blue has a rich history. Read about it in our explainer. On that note, let's get to today's edition. Big Story As the government readies its response to the April 21 Pahalgam attack, India's top defence leaders gathered at the Prime Minister's residence on Tuesday. Per sources, PM Modi told them the armed forces have ' complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing of our response'. A meeting of the Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS)—comprising the Prime Minister, Defence Minister, Home Minister, Finance Minister and External Affairs Minister—is expected later today. So, what should India's response be? Our columnists C Raja Mohan, M N Sabharwal, and Manish Sabharwal weigh in. Raja Mohan argues that India's retaliation must not just punish but compel a political reckoning inside Pakistan. (Read) Meanwhile, the Sabharwals examine the strategic arc of India's Kashmir policy and why this attack demands a forceful reaction. Adding fuel to the fire, Pakistani minister Attaullah Tarar has warned that Islamabad has 'credible intelligence' suggesting India could launch a military operation within the next 24–36 hours. Only in Express The diplomatic measures in the wake of the Pahalgam attack have spelt despair for several families. As India ordered Pakistani nationals to return to their countries, the Attari border post has become a site of teary farewells and heartbreak. For many, the suspension of visas for Pakistani nationals has meant separation from spouses and children. My colleague, Kamaldeep Singh Brar, documents their stories. Similar scenes are playing out miles away in Jammu and Kashmir, where many fear a midnight knock by the police, which will send them to Attari alongside other deportees. From the Front Page Bottom line: In the ongoing case over the alleged use of Pegasus, an Israeli-made spyware, to surveil journalists, activists and politicians, the Supreme Court has underlined that there is nothing wrong if a country has spyware and employs it for security. The only question would be against whom it is used. (S)heroes: Last year, Himachal Pradesh's Chief Minister announced his government's plans to create an experimental women-led district administration. In the first such district, Lahaul and Spiti, all seven top governance and administrative posts are now held by women. Must Read Fair winds: India is all set to acquire 26 Rafale-M fighter jets after its Rs 63,000 crore deal with France. An expert, Rear Admiral Mukul Asthana (Retd), explains the significance of the aircraft for the armed forces and why the Rafale fighter jets would improve interoperability between the Navy and the Air Force. Island Voice: The Great Andamanese, which includes a mixture of tribal languages such as Jero, Sare, Bo, and Khora, has fewer than 10 speakers alive. In the face of this extinction, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have embraced a unique linguistic identity as speakers of Andamanese Hindi. Unlike Hindi, the language does not have any gender agreement or number agreement. Read Adrija Roychowdhury's fascinating piece on the origins and evolution of Andamanese Hindi. And Finally… A handy companion for many, ChatGPT has a new offering for its users. OpenAI is set to launch a new shopping option, especially for users who research and buy products with the help of the AI chatbot. For now, the feature is advertisement-free, which may have Google worried. 🎧 Before you go, don't forget to tune in to the latest '3 Things' podcast episode. Today's lineup: Crackdown on Bangladeshi illegal immigrants in Ahmedabad and the shutting down of tourist sites in J&K. Business As Usual by EP Unny
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Largest Ever Vivid Blue Diamond Sold At Auction Could Fetch $50m
A historic blue diamond once worn by Indian royalty is expected to fetch between $35m and $50m when it goes under the hammer in May. The 23.24-carat gem, known as the Golconda Blue, is set to lead Christie's Magnificent Jewels sale in Geneva and is widely regarded as one of the most significant blue diamonds ever presented at auction. Its provenance spans continents and centuries. Mined from the fabled Golconda region in present-day Telangana, India - a source of legendary stones such as the Koh-i-Noor and the Hope Diamond-the pear-shaped Golconda Blue is not only exceptionally large and vibrantly coloured, but also steeped in royal history. The diamond first appeared in 1923, set in a Chaumet bracelet, before being refashioned into a necklace in the 1930s. It was worn by Maharani Sanyogitabai Devi of Indore, a noted figure in Indian modernist circles, and was captured in a now-iconic portrait by French painter Bernard Boutet de Monvel. Her husband, Maharaja Yeshwant Rao Holkar II-renowned for his eclectic taste and cosmopolitan lifestyle-was instrumental in shaping the jewel's design evolution. In the decades that followed, the stone passed through several major jewellers, including Harry Winston, who acquired it in 1947 and paired it with a white diamond of equal size in a bespoke brooch. That brooch was later dismantled and the Golconda Blue eventually re-set in its current form - a minimalist, sculptural ring by celebrated Paris-based designer JAR. It is a Type IIb diamond, a category so rare it comprises less than 0.1% of all diamonds. Characterised by the absence of nitrogen and the presence of boron, which gives the stone its signature blue hue, the Golconda Blue has been graded "fancy vivid" by the Gemological Institute of America-its highest colour classification. "Exceptional noble gems of this calibre come to market once in a lifetime," said Rahul Kadakia, Christie's International Head of Jewelry. "With its royal heritage, extraordinary colour and exceptional size, The Golconda Blue is truly one of the rarest blue diamonds in the world." Christie's auction will take place on 14 May 2025 at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva.
India.com
25-04-2025
- Business
- India.com
Meet India's first billionaire, Osman Ali, much richer than Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, Narayana Murthy, he was from..., had net worth of Rs...
When we talk about India's richest person, the names that often pop up in mind are Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, Narayana Murthy, and more. However, do you know that their wealth is nothing compared to the man who was the first billionaire of India? Yes, you read that right. Today, we will tell you about India's first richest billionaire who once ruled a princely state in India. If you are wondering who this man was, let us tell you—he was the last Nizam of Hyderabad, whose impressive riches made headlines across the globe. Apart from wealth, this man also had an impressive collection of gems, including the iconic Koh-i-Noor, a fleet of Rolls-Royce cars, royal ties with Queen Elizabeth, and more. The man in discussion is none other than the seventh and last Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan. Who was Mir Osman Ali Khan? Born on April 6, 1886, Mir Osman Ali Khan was the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad and ruled from 1911 until 1948. His reign marked a golden era for Hyderabad, as during this time, the state witnessed massive growth in terms of infrastructure, education, and culture. In the 1940s, Mir Osman Ali Khan's net worth was approximately 236 billion US Dollars (Rs 17.47 lakh crore), if adjusted for inflation. Mir Osman Ali Khan's Sources of Income Mir Osman Ali Khan's massive source of income came from his Golconda diamond mines, one of the world's richest sources of diamonds. His fortune was so immense that it made up 2% of the United States' GDP at the time. Mir Osman Ali Khan also featured on the cover of TIME magazine in 1937 with the title 'The Richest Man in the World.' Not just that, Mir Osman Ali Khan was also the owner of some of the most famous gems that ever existed in the world. His Golconda diamond mines were the ones that introduced the world to the Koh-i-Noor, the Darya-i-Nur, and the massive Jacob Diamond. The Jacob Diamond had a net worth of 120 million US Dollars, equivalent to Rs 1,000 crore. One will not believe that Mir Osman Ali Khan owned as many as 50 Rolls-Royce cars, including the prestigious Silver Ghost Throne Car. This is not it—Mir Osman Ali also introduced Deccan Airways, which was one of the earliest private airlines in British India. The wealth of the Nizam made headlines when the Indian government purchased the Nizam's collection of 173 jewels in 1995 for Rs 218 crore. Among these pieces, it consisted of 2,000 carats of emeralds, 40,000 chows of pearls, bangles, necklaces, cufflinks, and even pendants. Mir Osman Ali Khan was an important figure in history. He made major contributions to the welfare of the people.
