Highlights
- Bangladesh’s most priceless diamond Dariya-E-Noor, twin of the Kohinoor, to be displayed publicly after 117 years.
- The 26-carat diamond has been stored inside a Sonali Bank vault since colonial times.
- Originally mined in Golconda and passed through Indian royalty, including Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
- Bought by Nawab of Dhaka, Khwaja Alimullah, in 1852 for 75,000 rupees.
- Shown in London exhibitions during the British colonial period.
- Government forms a committee to examine and showcase the gem safely.
Dariya-E-Noor: A Treasure Hidden for Over a Century
The 26-carat diamond, part of the Nawab of Dhaka’s collection, has been locked in a vault since 1908. Known as the “sibling of Kohinoor,” it was mined near Golconda, like Kohinoor.
Commerce Secretary Shaukat Ali Khan told AFP, “The vault is still sealed. Years ago, an inspection team came to check the gems but didn’t open it—they only opened the room containing the vault.”
Although the exact date for opening the vault hasn’t been set, the government has issued instructions to form a committee to finally access it.
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History of Dariya-E-Noor
The diamond has a long and fascinating history. After being mined, it went through the hands of Indian royalty, including Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and was displayed at international exhibitions in London. In 1852, the Nawab of Dhaka, Khwaja Alimullah, purchased the diamond at an auction for 75,000 rupees.
Over the years, the diamond was sometimes worn as a bracelet or mounted on a turban. Despite its fame, the gem remained largely unexplored and hidden, even during the post-independence period of Bangladesh.
Kohinoor and Dariya-E-Noor: Royal Connections
Dariya-E-Noor is historically connected to Kohinoor. Both diamonds were once in the possession of Indian royalty and even displayed in Britain. King George and Queen Mary were aware of The Diamond when it was temporarily sent to England.
The diamond was first documented in 1841 in a painting of Maharaja Sher Singh, where Kohinoor appeared on his right arm and Dariya-E-Noor on the left. Additional jewels, pearls, and settings were part of the diamond’s original arrangement.
Vault, Security, and Current Status
During British rule and after independence, Dariya-E-Noor was managed by institutions like Hamilton & Co., and later, the State Bank of Pakistan, before ending up in Bangladesh’s Sonali Bank vault.
Former National Museum director Foyzul Latif Chowdhury said, “Dariya-E-Noor is in Sonali Bank’s vault. While transferring it between banks over the years, the gem hasn’t gone missing.”
Other Dariya-E-Noor Variants
Several other diamonds have been sold or claimed under the name Dariya-E-Noor worldwide, including a 26-carat diamond auctioned in London in 2017, named the “Fortuna Diamond.” However, experts believe it is unlikely to be related to the historic Bangladeshi Dariya-E-Noor.
The unveiling of the priceless diamond after 117 years will not only reveal Bangladesh’s priceless heritage gem but also shed light on its mysterious journey through history—from royal collections in India to the vaults of Dhaka.
Source: TBS
