In the annals of history, few stories are as complex and poignant as that of India's lost treasures. As the British Raj tightened its grip on the subcontinent, priceless artifacts found their way from palaces and temples to museums and private collections across the sea. Here are five of the most valuable items the British took from India, each with a tale to tell.
The Koh-i-Noor Diamond
The Koh-i-Noor diamond, known as the "Mountain of Light," once graced the Peacock Throne of the Mughal emperors. In 1849, following the Anglo-Sikh wars, young Maharaja Duleep Singh surrendered this 105.6-carat wonder to Queen Victoria. Today, it sits in the Tower of London, a glittering reminder of empire and loss.
Ring of Tipu Sultan
Tipu Sultan's ring was also transported by the British to England from the battlefield of Srirangapatna in 1799. This unique gold ring bears the name of the Hindu god Rama in Devanagari script. The artifact was auctioned in the year 2014 for a staggering 145,000 pounds to Vijay Mallya.
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan's Wine Cup
Next up is Shah Jahan’s wine cup which now resides at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Carved from white jade and adorned with intricate designs, this 17th-century masterpiece found its way to British hands after the 1857 revolt.
Amaravati Marbles
The Amaravati Marbles tell a different story. These 120 limestone sculptures and inscriptions once adorned a great Buddhist stupa in Andhra Pradesh. Unearthed in the 19th century, these marbles were taken away from India after the revolt of 1857. They now reside at the British Museum.
Sultanganj Buddha
The last one on the list is the Sultanganj Buddha, a colossal copper statue unearthed during railway construction in Bihar in 1862. This piece of art weighs a staggering half a ton and is probably the only survivor of the Gupta era. It is now found in the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
These five artifacts represent just a fraction of the wealth taken away from India.
In 2022, seven artifacts were returned by the Government of Scotland to India. Perhaps one day, the Koh-i-Noor will once again catch the light of an Indian sunset, and the Buddha of Sultanganj will smile upon the land of its birth.
Until then, these treasures stand as silent witnesses to a shared history - reminders of what was lost, but also of the enduring spirit of a civilization that continues to inspire the world. They invite us to reflect on the past, engage with the present, and imagine a future where cultural heritage knows no borders.
(This article has been written in the light of Independence Day celebrations in India reminding Indians of the wealth that India once had. All images belong to the respective owners. Email us for change in credit description)
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