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08 Apr 2025

The Glittering Legacy: Diamonds, India’s Precious Gift to the World

Written by

The Logical Indian

Introduction

Diamonds, those dazzling gems that sparkle with an ethereal glow, hold a rich history deeply rooted in the heart of India. Originating from the Greek word 'adamas,' meaning invincible, diamonds were revered for their extraordinary hardness and magical properties in ancient times. In Sanskrit, these precious stones were known as ‘vajra,' symbolising the thunderbolt, the weapon of the warrior god Indra.

The Origins of Splendour

The journey of diamonds began in India, where they were first discovered and mined. The earliest mention dates back to the 4th century BC, revealing that diamonds were already a valuable commodity. A Sanskrit manuscript from 320-296 BCE sheds light on the significance of diamonds, linking them to thunderstorms and the divine, reinforcing the belief that diamonds were a gift from the gods.

The Birthplace of Diamonds

The Golconda region in India was home to the earliest diamond mines, where diamonds were found in alluvial deposits along rivers like the Penner, Krishna, and Godavari. The ancient Indians even had their own units of currency and measurement for diamonds, using the Tandula, equivalent to a grain of rice, and the Rupaka. Wealthy citizens converted their riches into diamonds, marking the first instance of diamonds being used as an investment.

The Global Journey

In the 14th century, the diamond-cutting industry emerged in Venice, later spreading to Paris, Bruges, and Antwerp. The demand for diamonds grew, leading to increased production. However, it was the discovery of diamond deposits in South Africa in the 1870s that transformed the diamond industry’s landscape.

Despite diamonds being associated with India for centuries, it was the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama who opened a direct sea route to India, facilitating the transfer of these precious stones to Europe. The French crown jewels sold in 1887 further fuelled the fascination with diamonds, making them a symbol of wealth and power.

The significance of diamonds in ancient Indian society was profound, with a separate profession called "Mandalins" dedicated to the study of diamonds. The properties and magical powers of diamonds were meticulously recorded and implemented in social life. Diamonds were not just adornments but also used as cutting tools, talismans against evil, and were believed to offer protection in battle.

The Art of Diamond Polishing

Diamond polishing, a craft that originated in India, became an art form. Indians discovered that diamonds could polish other diamonds, leading to the invention of the first diamond polishing board. This knowledge was guarded as a secret, and diamonds began to be polished as jewels in the late Middle Ages.

Indian diamonds were famously traded to other parts of the world, particularly the Middle East and Europe. Evidence of diamond trade to Greece is found as early as 315 BC in the Greek author Theophrastus, who mentions stones known as adamas, meaning invincible or indivisible.

The Koh-I-Noor and Beyond

The legendary Koh-I-Noor Diamond, dating back to 1304, was originally mined in Andhra Pradesh, India. Confiscated and stolen over centuries, it now resides in the British Crown Jewels, bearing witness to India’s historical diamond legacy.

India’s Modern Diamond Era

In modern times, India remains a powerhouse in the diamond industry, with the largest diamond polishing industry in the world. Despite the exhaustion of India’s main diamond mines, the country continues to contribute significantly to global diamond production. Surat, in Gujarat, is the city where 95 per cent of the world’s diamonds are cut and polished.

Cultural Resurgence

India’s influence in the diamond market persists, with the country providing 11 out of every 12 processed diamonds for jewellery globally. Even in the face of economic challenges, diamonds have surpassed gold in the Indian jewellery market, symbolising trendiness and wise investment. The tradition of purchasing diamond engagement rings has taken root in India, making it the third-largest market for diamond jewellery worldwide.

Conclusion

As we marvel at the brilliance of diamonds today, let us remember that their journey began in the heart of India, where they were cherished not just for their sparkle but also for their deep cultural and spiritual significance. India’s legacy as the birthplace of diamonds continues to shine brightly, illuminating the world with its everlasting sparkle.

References

Gem-A https://gem-a.com/golconda-diamonds-india-myths-legends/
Economic Times: (April 7, 2024,Nidhi Nath Srinivas) https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/cons-products/fashion-/-cosmetics-/-jewellery/diamond-polishing-mining-companies-sourcing-nations-challenge-indias-supremacy/articleshow/17367744.cms?from=mdr
Economic times: (Oct 19, 2015) https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/cons-products/fashion-/-cosmetics-/-jewellery/cultural-governance-binds-indian-diamond-industry-iim-study/articleshow/49448403.cms?from=mdr
CBS News https://www.cbsnews.com/news/diamonds-a-history/
MET Museum https://www.metmuseum.org/articles/indian-diamonds-benjamin-zucker-family-collection
Sanskriti Museum https://www.sanskritimagazine.com/ancient-india-the-frontier-of-diamond-discovery-mining-and-usage/

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IndiaFirst Life & the logical indian

Headquartered in Mumbai, IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Limited (IndiaFirst Life), is one of the country's youngest life insurance companies. The Logical Indian is an independent and public-spirited digital media platform for Indian Millennials. IndiaFirst Life and The Logical Indian have come together to showcase India’s rich history of innovation in different fields of life which have made a significant mark on humanity and globally. Please note, The information presented here is the result of a collaborative effort between The IndiaFirst Life, Dentsu Creative & The Logical Indian. All research and fact-finding is credited to Dentsu Creative in association with The Logical Indian.