Rishi Sunak, Britain’s first Prime Minister of Indian origin, is facing renewed calls from India to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond to India.
The Koh-i-Noor is one of the most famous stones held by the British crown – a fabulous 105-carat oval-shaped brilliant stone. Although it is just one of 2,800 stones set in the crown made for the Queen Mother, the Koh-i-Noor diamond has been a subject of controversy for decades.
Presented to Britain by the Maharaja of Lahore in 1847 after the Anglo-Sikh war, India – as well as Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan – have all laid claim to the famous diamond. Mere days after Queen Elizabeth II’s demise, many Twitter users in India demanded its return. Now, according to IDEX Online, the prospect of Queen Consort Camilla wearing it at the forthcoming coronation in May, coupled with the origin of the newly appointed PM, have reignited the same calls.
“Now just return the Kohinoor and not all but some will be forgiven. Historic moment indeed,” tweeted award-winning Indian journalist Barkha Dutt.
Sunak describes himself as “a proud Hindu”. He was born in Britain to parents of Punjabi descent. His wife, Akshata Murthy, is the daughter of Indian billionaire Narayana Murthy, chairman of IT giant Infosys, according to the report.
