In the annals of history, few objects have captured the imagination quite like the Peacock Throne, or Takht-i-taus. Commissioned in 1628 by Shah Jahan, the same Mughal emperor who gave us the Taj Mahal, this opulent masterpiece stood as a testament to the extravagance of the Mughal era.
Astonishingly, the Peacock Throne is said to have cost twice as much as the Taj Mahal itself. This fact alone speaks volumes about its unparalleled grandeur. Skilled artisans labored for seven years to create this marvel, embedding over 2,500 pounds of gold and 500 pounds of precious gemstones into its structure.
The throne's design featured bejeweled peacocks, giving it its iconic name. It housed some of the most legendary gems in history, including the Koh-i-Noor diamond, the Timur ruby, the Akbar Shah diamond, and the Shah diamond. An estimated 116 emeralds, 108 rubies, and countless diamonds, sapphires, and pearls adorned its surface. A verse praising Shah Jahan's achievements was even engraved in emerald on the throne.
French jeweler Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, who visited the Mughal court in 1665, provided one of the most detailed assessments of the throne. He described silver steps leading to a 6 by 4-foot platform, elevated 25 inches high on four gold-encased feet. A silk canopy, supported by 12 gold columns decorated with pearls, covered the platform.
Tragically, the Peacock Throne's splendor was short-lived. In 1739, Nadir Shah of Iran invaded Delhi and seized the throne as a symbol of his victory over the declining Mughal Empire. Following Nadir Shah's assassination in 1747, the throne was dismantled by looters, its precious gems scattered to the winds of history.
While the Peacock Throne itself is lost, its legacy lives on through historical records and artistic renditions. Today, a foundation stone can be found at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, and some parts are reportedly housed in a museum in Iran. These remnants serve as poignant reminders of a bygone era of unparalleled opulence and craftsmanship.
The story of the Peacock Throne, worth twice the Taj Mahal, continues to captivate us, inviting us to imagine the breathtaking splendor of a treasure now lost to time.
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