Book Review: "Not Just Kohinoor" by Amit Agarwal

Publisher: Karmanya Publications
Price: Rs 399
Pages: 358

Book review by Yuvraj Pokharna
Acclaimed author Amit Agarwal’s latest book, titled “Not Just Kohinoor”, is an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of India’s lost diamond treasures, examining the tumultuous journeys of gems such as the Kohinoor, Hope, Regent, Darya-i-Noor, and many other famed stones that were looted from India and scattered across the world.

Rather than simply chronicling the known history of the Kohinoor, Agarwal expands the scope, connecting these legendary diamonds to the larger story of India’s colonial plunder and cultural endurance. The subject is entirely new, or so I believe. To the best of my knowledge, no book on such a subject has been written. The author has raised a pertinent point that the goal of the book is to bring the
diamonds back, and for that reason, someone has to make a start. As the author rightly says, it has to begin by telling their stories. He emphasises his point by pointing out that, no matter how few feeble noises were made for Kohinoor’s return, the public in general, including the government, is not even aware that extremely rare and majestic Indian diamonds are being showcased in foreign museums and private collections. Many of the museums do not even bother to mention their Indian provenance.

The book blends gripping narrative with in-depth research, tracing the passage of diamonds from
Golconda’s famed mines, through royal treasuries, violent wars, betrayal, and ultimately into
European museums and crowns. Agarwal presents the tales not just as stories of material wealth but
as reflections of historical trauma—how each gem became entwined with conflict, loss, and the
question of rightful restitution. The Kohinoor itself, central to the book, is depicted with fresh
anecdotes and lesser-known details, including its mythical curse and its role as a pawn in power
struggles.
Ultimately, the history of India’s looted diamonds is not just about gemstones—it mirrors the story
of India itself. Each diamond, from the Kohinoor to the Darya-i-Noor to Orlov, was born in India’s rich
mines, often in Golconda, adorned its temples and thrones, then torn away by invaders and colonisers.
Their journeys reflect India’s path—from incredible wealth and cultural brilliance, through centuries
of plunder and humiliation, to a modern struggle for recognition and restitution. Just as India was
fragmented and exploited, so too were her diamonds—cut, maimed, recut, renamed, and displayed
in foreign crowns. It symbolizes not only the loss of treasure but also the theft of sovereignty and
precious heritage.
“Not Just Kohinoor” stands out for its easy style, making millennia-old stories lively and relatable to
contemporary readers. The book avoids a Delhi-centric lens, bringing in episodes and legends from
India and linking ancient myths with modern-day debates about cultural justice and stolen heritage.
Agarwal’s fondness for maps, tables, and visuals is evident—these touches help readers vividly grasp
the geographic saga of India’s diamonds. Interestingly, the book flows at a fast pace, peppered with riveting stories without a dull moment.
The best chapter, in my opinion, is on Jacob Diamond. There are many interesting anecdotes and
legends about the British Raj and how they controlled the nawabs and princes. Many readers might
be unaware of several colonial-era Indian Maharajas having European wives, even as the British actively discouraged such marriages, lest their rule be perceived as soft. The phenomenon of ‘Fishing Fleets’, ‘Cargo of Young Damsels’, and ‘Returned Empties’ amply displays the peculiar human behaviour of the times.

It is also very commendable that the author connected every diamond to its roots in the Puranic
stories. The reader, thus, feels that diamonds are the symbols of Hindu deities, making them not just
a precious material wealth but also a cultural, religious, and civilizational treasure.
The forewords by eminent academician author Dr Koenraad Elst and well-known public speaker author Anand Ranganathan add further weight and wit to the narrative. Their characteristic incisive, succinct observations bring out the essence of the book.
However, the book is not without its share of weaknesses. Occasionally, the narrative covers
extensive, deep historical ground and may feel dense to those seeking lighter reading. At times, the
tone leans towards advocacy, especially on themes of restitution and Indian pride, which will
resonate deeply with many but may spark debate among others. The author has dedicated a whole chapter to the Mughals’ love for diamonds and rubies and how they went on to acquire a major chunk of
these fabulous gems. The length of the chapters is also quite uneven. Some chapters, like Kohinoor, Hope, and Jacob, take the bulk of the bandwidth, while those of Orlov, Regent, and Nassak are left high
and dry. Several other big diamonds aren’t mentioned at all. It is hoped that the author comes up with a second volume covering the topics left out in the current book.
Conclusion
Amit Agarwal succeeds in weaving together history, legend, and contemporary relevance in “Not
Just Kohinoor”. The book is an engrossing account of India’s greatest diamonds and a powerful
reminder of the lasting consequences of Mughalia and colonial loot. The saga of India’s diamonds is
the saga of India itself—glorious, plundered, wounded, yet unforgettable. This book will appeal not
only to history and heritage enthusiasts but also to policymakers and opinion leaders who can
further the conversation on the reclamation of our beloved gems.
For readers interested in history, politics, or cultural heritage, it is a compelling and timely work
worthy of attention.