India has a rich history of royalty and temples, each with their own unique and intricate jewels. These jewels were not only symbols of wealth and status, but also held great cultural and religious significance. However, during British colonial rule and invasions, these jewels faced a tumultuous fate. Let us take a closer look at what happened to India’s royal and temple jewels during this period.
The British first arrived in India in the early 1600s, primarily as traders for the East India Company. However, over time, they gained control over large parts of the country through military conquests and alliances with local rulers. As the British gained more power and influence, they also began to acquire the jewels of Indian royalty and temples.
One of the most notable examples of this was the Koh-i-Noor diamond, which was originally owned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. However, after the British defeated the Mughal empire in the early 19th century, the diamond was taken by the East India Company and eventually presented to Queen Victoria. It remains a part of the British Crown Jewels to this day.
The British also had a policy of “loot and plunder” during their conquests, where they would seize valuable items, including jewels, from the defeated rulers. This led to the loss of many precious jewels from Indian royal families. The Nizam of Hyderabad, for instance, had to give up his famous Jacob Diamond, which was later sold to the Maharaja of Patiala, who in turn had to sell it to the British to pay off his debts.
Aside from conquests, the British also used their influence and power to acquire jewels from Indian rulers through diplomatic means. They would often gift expensive jewels to Indian rulers, who in turn would feel obliged to reciprocate with their own jewels. This led to a significant outflow of jewels from India to Britain.
Another factor that contributed to the loss of Indian jewels was the economic policies of the British. They imposed heavy taxes on Indian rulers, which often resulted in them having to sell their jewels to generate revenue. The British also encouraged the production of cheap imitation jewels in India, which further devalued the authentic Indian jewels.
Furthermore, during the 19th century, the British introduced the concept of “crown jewels” in India. These were jewels that were considered to be the property of the state and were meant to be displayed as a symbol of British power and dominance. Many of these crown jewels were taken from Indian temples, which were considered to be repositories of wealth and were often targeted by the British.
The British also had a fascination with Indian jewels and would often take them back to Britain as souvenirs or gifts. This resulted in a significant number of Indian jewels being displayed in museums and private collections in Britain. While this may have helped to preserve some of these jewels, it also meant that they were no longer accessible to the people of India.
The British also had a negative impact on the production and craftsmanship of Indian jewels. They discouraged the use of traditional techniques and materials, and instead promoted the use of Western styles and materials. This led to a decline in the quality and authenticity of Indian jewels, as well as a loss of traditional knowledge and skills.
The British also had a hand in the destruction of many temples in India, which often housed valuable jewels. During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the British destroyed several temples and looted their treasures. This further contributed to the loss of Indian jewels.
In conclusion, the British colonial rule and invasions had a significant impact on India’s royal and temple jewels. Many of these jewels were taken away from India and are now scattered across the world. The loss of these jewels not only had a financial impact, but also a cultural and religious one. However, it is important to remember that these jewels are a part of India’s rich history and heritage, and efforts are being made to recover and preserve them. These jewels serve as a reminder of the glorious past of India and continue to fascinate and inspire people all over the world.
