Empire 10. Killing for the Koh-i-Noor
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Oct 4, 2022 Delve into the rip-roaring saga of the Koh-i-Noor diamond, a gem that sparked conflict and intrigue across empires. Explore the tumultuous legacy linked to Ranjit Singh and the power struggles igniting after his death. Witness the betrayals and royal tragedies within Lahore as young Maharaja Dalip Singh emerges amid chaos. Uncover the East India Company's manipulative tactics and the intense battles that shaped 19th-century India. Finally, embark on a secret voyage with the diamond that highlights its perilous journey.
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Ranjit Singh's Death and the Hiding of the Koh-i-Noor
- Ranjit Singh, the “Lion of Punjab,” was the only Koh-i-Noor owner to escape a tragic death.
- Upon his death, a minor court official, Beliram, hid the diamond, rejecting Ranjit Singh’s deathbed wish to give it to a Hindu temple.
The Mysterious Deaths of Kharak Singh and Nau Nihal Singh
- Kharak Singh, Ranjit Singh’s successor, was poisoned and suffered a slow, agonizing death.
- His son, Nau Nihal Singh, died mysteriously after his father's cremation, fueling rumors of the Koh-i-Noor's curse.
Chand Kaur's Failed Hope and Brutal End
- Nau Nihal Singh's pregnant widow offered a chance for succession.
- However, the stillborn birth of a son led to Chand Kaur’s brutal murder, ordered by Sher Singh.