A Crown Jewel: The Koh-I-Noor Diamond

What happens when the ownership of a precious item is contested due to its history? Who should the rightful owner be?

A CROWN JEWEL: The Koh-I-Noor Diamond

These lessons (2) gives special attention to the much sought after and infamous Kohinoor diamond, currently resting in the Tower of London, under British possession.

Prior to British possession, this diamond belonged to Sikh ruler, Maharaja Ranjit Singh. After Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s death, the diamond was passed down to his son, Duleep Singh, who was 10 years old at the time. The British forced the boy to sign a legal document, giving up his claim to sovereignty and the precious Kohinoor. The contemporary possession of this diamond has been much contested, and debate regarding its rightful place have resurfaced following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Focus Questions/ Key Understandings

How should modern countries deal with colonial era looting of valuable artefacts?

A Crown Jewel
(Lesson Plan)

Courses + Big Ideas

English 10-12

Disparities in power alter the balance of relationships between individuals and between societies. (SS9)
Exploration, expansion, and colonization had varying consequences for different groups. (SS8)
Understanding how political decisions are made is critical to being an informed and engaged citizen (from Political Studies 12).
Examining questions in philosophy allows people to question their assumptions and better understand their own beliefs (Philosophy 12).
Decision making in urban and regional planning requires balancing political, economic, social, and environmental factors (Urban St. 12).