Whenever we talk about priceless things stolen by British from India, we could only name Kohinoor diamond. But, that was not enough to sate the British greed. Kohinoor was merely a kickstart to this white-robbery.
We don’t know whether or not India was a golden bird, but if all these things get returned to the country, we will undoubtedly be a golden eagle. Turning the history sheets, we came across these top 7 priceless things stolen by British from India during the conquest. Not just Britishers, even many countries and rulers have drained the historic wealth out of India. Let’s have a look at some really expensive things that were once India’s pride.
7 Priceless Things Stolen By British From India That Were India’s Pride
They didn’t just loot our money, they stole the pride. Here’s what has been taken from India illegally and should be returned.
1. The Kohinoor
Not the one but this is unquestionably one of the most precious things stolen by British from India. This diamond, Kohinoor was mined at Kollur Mine. At present, this mine lies in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
The Kohinoor was initially 793 Carats when uncut. It was considered the largest diamond ever found in the world. At present, the diamond is 105.6 metric carats and weighs 21.6 grams in the cut state.
It was moved to the reserves of the British during their conquest and presented to Queen Victoria in the year 1850.
Where is it now: Currently, it is showcased in the Tower of London
2. Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Throne
Made by a famous Muslim goldsmith Hafez Muhammad Multani, this throne was considered one of the most valuable thrones in India after ‘Peacock Throne. While the Maharaja used to sit the chain or on the floor, this golden throne was reserved for special state occasions.
Later in the year 1849, the Britishers took this as a part of the state possessions. This took place after they conquered Punjab after the second Anglo-Sikh war.
Where is it now: Victoria & Albert Museum
3. The Ring of Tipu Sultan
It was devastating after the last king of Mysore lost his life and throne in a battle with the British empire. Since then the Britishers took away the ring and sword of the Tipu Sultan.
Eventually, the sword returned to India in 2004. Heartily thanks to Vijay Mallya who bought it for 1.57 crores at an auction. While the sword returned to India the ring did not. It is believed that the ring has ‘RAM’ engraved on it in Devnagri Script.
Where is it now: Sold to an undisclosed bidder at the auction in central London
4. The SultanGanj Buddha
One of the most priceless things stolen by British from India includes this sculpture of Buddha which is 2 meters tall. It weighs around 500kg and was stolen from a historic temple. The SultanGanj Buddha was the biggest metal structure in India ever.
It was hidden for almost 700 years until it was found by a British Railway Engineer, Everette Bagby Harris. He came across this while digging for railway construction in the year 1862.
This statue is now in the Birmingham Museum. It never took in an auction.
Where is it now: Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
5. The Amaravati Marbles
If somebody asks you what India has, you can show them these marbles. The Amrawati Balustrades are an impressive collection of around 120 sculptures and inscriptions. These are not ordinary marbles. Amaravati sculptures and inscriptions are made of limestone carvings dated back to 100 AD.
These sculptures were excavated by the Britishers from Madras in 1859 when they were at their peak. At present, these inscriptions and sculptures can be found in the British Museum, London.
Where is it now: British Museum, London
6. Tipu’s Tiger
Another of the most priceless things stolen by British from India was taken away from Tipu’s collection. It was an actual size wooden tiger battering a caucasian figure in European Clothes.
One of the most mysterious things about Tipu’s tiger is that it was believed to have an organ inside the tiger. This organ plays when you pull the handle. Once you turn the handle, it plays and sounds like a lifeless man howling and his arms move up & down.
The most impressive thing is that the tiger was built keeping Tipu’s hatred for the Britishers in mind.
Where is it now: Victoria & Albert Museum
7. The Nassak Diamond
India used to be the biggest diamond producer in the world. In fact, India’s tempers were richer than most countries in the world. This is enough to take an idea of India’s prosperity before looted by Britishers and other empires.
The Nassak diamond was initially found in the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, Nashik in Maharashtra. It remained in the temples for around 1500 to 1817. The British-led East India Company obtained the diamond in the year 1818 during the Anglo-Maratha war and later sold it to the British Jewellers.
Where is it now: A private museum in Lebanon
These are things that once belonged to India but taken away by the rulers. India continues to retain them through auctions. If somehow they return to the nation, it will regain its lost pride.
