NYC mayor urges return of Kohinoor diamond

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani has called on King Charles to return the historic Kohinoor diamond to India, reviving a longstanding debate over colonial-era artifacts during the British monarch’s visit to the US.

At a press conference before an event in New York Mamdani said he would tell the king to return the famous 105-carat Kohinoor diamond if he got the chance to talk to him in private.

Later in the day, the two met briefly during the commemoration event at the WTC memorial site. Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the remarks, while Mamdani’s office did not confirm whether the issue was raised directly with the monarch.

The Kohinoor diamond has remained one of the most controversial symbols of Britain’s colonial history. 

The British East India Company took the diamond from the ruler of Punjab in 1850 and gave it to Queen Victoria.

India has repeatedly demanded the diamond’s return, arguing that it represents a significant part of the country’s cultural and historical heritage. 

Many Indians view Britain’s possession of the jewel as a reminder of colonial exploitation and historical injustices committed during British rule.

The Kohinoor diamond has been owned by Mughal emperors, Persian rulers, Afghan emirs and Sikh maharajas before it became part of the British Crown Jewels. The Kohinoor diamond is still a part of British Crown Jewels.