Ancient Beginnings
India’s history with diamonds dates back over 2,500 years, making it the earliest known source of diamonds in the world. The first diamonds were likely discovered in the riverbeds of the Golconda region (modern-day Andhra Pradesh and Telangana). These alluvial diamonds were initially found in the Krishna, Godavari, and Penner river basins.
Medieval Period
By the medieval period, India had become the world’s primary source of diamonds. Diamonds were highly prized, both for their beauty and their supposed mystical properties. Indian diamonds were known to have been traded to different parts of the world, particularly to the Middle East and Europe. The most famous mines were located in Golconda, and it was from these mines that some of the most renowned diamonds, such as the Koh-i-Noor and the Hope Diamond, were extracted.
Golconda Mines
The Golconda mines were particularly famous during the 16th and 17th centuries. These mines produced some of the finest diamonds the world had ever seen, known for their clarity and size. Golconda became synonymous with high-quality diamonds, and the diamonds extracted from here adorned the crowns of European royalty.
Colonial Era and Decline
The arrival of European colonial powers, particularly the Portuguese, Dutch, and later the British, changed the diamond trade dynamics. By the 18th century, the discovery of large diamond deposits in Brazil and later in South Africa caused a decline in India’s dominance in the diamond market. The Indian diamond industry began to wane, and by the 19th century, most of the easily accessible diamonds had been mined out.
Modern Era
In contemporary times, India’s role in diamond mining has diminished. However, the country remains a significant player in the global diamond industry, particularly in diamond cutting and polishing. The city of Surat in Gujarat has become a global hub for diamond cutting, processing around 90% of the world’s diamonds.
While India no longer dominates diamond mining, the legacy of its diamond history remains influential, and the diamonds from its ancient mines continue to be some of the most famous and sought-after gems in the world.
