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Synopsis This volume is a definitive account of the history, legends and myths that are commonly associated with some exceptional diamonds that were discovered in India. The book unfurls the drama that accompanied the passage of these gems from one owner to the next, across continents, and over great expanses of time. Diamonds have captivated the imagination of mankind since the beginning of time. These precious stones were first discovered in India, and the greatest mines were located in the kingdom of Golconda. Several of the world's largest and mot cherished diamonds came from India and many of those discovered elsewhere made their way into the coffers of some of the richest people in the country. Even after the historic plunder of the Mughal Empire by the Persian ruler Nadir Shah in 1739, India continued to be known as the treasury of the world; its celebrated royals and wealthy industrialists went to astonishing lengths to acquire and keep these diamonds. Great Diamonds of India is a definitive account of the history, legends and myths that are commonly associated with some exceptional diamonds that were discovered in India. The kaleidoscope of characters in these stores range from insouciant kings and queens to avaricious murderers.