Govt plans to tell UK to give back Koh-i-Noor
12 Oct 2014 5:10 AM IST
The central government is planning to initiate talks with its British counterpart to bring back the Koh-i-Noor (mountain of light in Persian) to India. Close on the heels of Australian prime minister Tony Abbott’s handing over two 11th century antique idols belonging to the Chola dynasty to PM Narendra Modi in September, the decision taken by the union government has invited praises from all spheres. The idols were stolen from a temple in Tamil Nadu.
The NDA government, which is keen on retaining India’s pride, will soon start talk with concerned agencies or departments to formalise how to retain the priceless jewel. As a friendly nation, Modi government is hopeful that Britain will consider the request. Speaking to Millennium Post, minister of culture, Shripad Yesso Naik said, ‘The issue was raised several times by a section of political leaders in India. We are seriously considering how to get back Koh-i-Noor.’
On the context of what initiative he has taken on the issue in the international platform, Naik said, ‘We will look in to the old files concerning the matter, which will be followed by meetings with the concern officials. Koh-i-Noor is a pride of India and it should be in nation’s possession.’
The diamond is one the largest known stones in the world and currently on display at the Tower of London. It was mined in Andhra Pradesh and in 1849 it was taken away from India by the East India Company. The earliest authentic reference of Koh-i-Noor was found in the memoirs of Babur - Baburnama.
Sources said the ministry, after preparing a draft report on the matter, will send it to the PMO for final approval.
The NDA government, which is keen on retaining India’s pride, will soon start talk with concerned agencies or departments to formalise how to retain the priceless jewel. As a friendly nation, Modi government is hopeful that Britain will consider the request. Speaking to Millennium Post, minister of culture, Shripad Yesso Naik said, ‘The issue was raised several times by a section of political leaders in India. We are seriously considering how to get back Koh-i-Noor.’
On the context of what initiative he has taken on the issue in the international platform, Naik said, ‘We will look in to the old files concerning the matter, which will be followed by meetings with the concern officials. Koh-i-Noor is a pride of India and it should be in nation’s possession.’
The diamond is one the largest known stones in the world and currently on display at the Tower of London. It was mined in Andhra Pradesh and in 1849 it was taken away from India by the East India Company. The earliest authentic reference of Koh-i-Noor was found in the memoirs of Babur - Baburnama.
Sources said the ministry, after preparing a draft report on the matter, will send it to the PMO for final approval.
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