Diamonds: The Pride Of India

Diamonds are prized high as a divine object not only today but also centuries back. More than its shining and precious traits, it is happiness for the one who possesses them. The myth says that it has the superpower to protect against poison. Diamonds have a special place in history and hearts.

Source: Wikimedia commons

It is well known that among all the countries, India is the one that enjoys the joy of diamonds. It is not a modern-day privilege but pride that started in ancient times. India has been the sole center of diamonds for thousands of years. Records and evidence say that India was the only country to be the source of diamonds. Demystifying it, the mining system of India in the olden days gained the title of India as the only source.

In the thirteenth century, as India was the only supplier of diamonds, its major source was from Hyderabad's regions. The Golconda mine is famous even today for its incredible quality. In those days, most vegetarian Indians, especially Jains enjoyed the privileged status by tradition as they were merchants, bankers, and diamond dealers. The beautiful and artistic craft of diamond making is chiefly done by the Jains.

Chanakya’s book Arthashastra, a book about the doctrine of wealth, mentioned the duties imposed on diamonds, indicating the diamond trade. Goods from many countries were exchanged with diamonds from India. In 327 BC Alexander of Macedon brought the very first diamond to Europe.

For a long time, India was the only source of this shining stone. This started to decline when Brazilian diamonds were discovered in 1730. These aesthetic diamonds of 83.50 carat were found on the hills of Colesberg Kopje, in South Africa. It was thought to be a normal pebble but turned out to be a sparkling diamond. This eventually created a rush in the opening of a large-scale mining operation which is known as Kimberly mine. This tremendously increased the diamond supply which eventually decreased its value and rarity.

When the talk is about India and diamonds, the topic of Kohinoor diamond is invariable. There is no evidence on how Indians got this but it was during the Mughal era that the diamond’s existence came to be known. Five thousand years ago, in a Sanskrit script, it is mentioned as Syamantaka which is Kohinoor but before naming it. It shifted from kings to kings until it was sought by the East India Company.

At the beginning of the sixteenth-century diamond, cutting was started in India by skillful craftsmen and their polished skills. The stardom of diamonds was enormous and they were evaluated based on the division of varnas, which means quality, color, and category, as Brahmans, the transparent colorless diamonds; Vaisyas, diamonds with a greenish or yellow hue; Kshatriyas, diamonds with a reddish hue and Shudras, the gray or dark colored diamonds.

Madhya Pradesh is the place where diamond cutting is concentrated. It is practiced by around two thousand five hundred Jain families. The western side of India, like Surat, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad, plays a vital role in the diamond market, trade, and finance. Varachha, a district in Surat contributes chiefly to diamond cutting.

Small or big, heavy or light, a diamond is always a diamond having its individuality and value. It has become the pride of a woman or a family as India has a considerable significance for jewelry. Wearing a diamond gives confidence and also invites luck. The shine of the stone makes your life shine.