It is an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of India's lost diamond treasures, examining the tumultuous journeys of gems such as the Kohinoor, Hope, Regent, Darya-i-Noor, and many other famed stones that were looted and scattered across the world. Rather than simply chronicling the known history of the Kohinoor, Agarwal expands the scope, connecting these legendary diamonds to the larger saga of India's colonial plunder and cultural endurance.

The subject is entirely new, or so I believe. In my recent memory, no book on such a subject has been written. The author has raised a pertinent point that the goal of the book is to bring the diamonds back, and for that reason, someone has to make a start. As he said, rightly so, the start is by telling their stories. He even said that, no matter how feeble, though a few noises were made for Kohinoor's return, for others, the government does not even know that so many majestic diamonds are being showcased in the foreign museums and private collections. Many of the museums do not even show their Indian provenance.

The book blends gripping narrative with solid research, tracing the passage of diamonds from Golconda's famed mines, through royal treasuries, violent wars, betrayal, and ultimately into European museums and crowns. Agarwal presents the tales not just as stories of material wealth but as reflections of historical trauma—how each gem became entwined with conflict, loss, and the question of rightful restitution. The Kohinoor itself, central to the book, is depicted with fresh anecdotes and lesser-known details, including its mythic curse and its role as a pawn in power struggles.

Ultimately, the history of India's looted diamonds is not just about gemstones—it mirrors the story of India itself. Each diamond, from the Kohinoor to the Darya-i-Noor to Orlov, was born in India's rich mines, often in Golconda, adorned its temples and thrones, then torn away by invaders and colonisers. Their journeys reflect India's path—from incredible wealth and cultural brilliance, through centuries of plunder and humiliation, to a modern struggle for recognition and restitution. Just as India was fragmented and exploited, so too were her diamonds—cut, maimed, recut, renamed, and displayed in foreign crowns. It symbolises not only the loss of treasure but also the theft of sovereignty and precious heritage.

"Not Just Kohinoor" stands out for its easy style, making millennia-old stories lively and relatable to contemporary readers. The book avoids a Delhi-centric lens, bringing in episodes and legends from India and linking ancient myths with modern-day debates about cultural justice and stolen heritage. Agarwal's fondness for maps, tables, and visuals is evident—these touches help readers vividly grasp the geographic saga of India's diamonds. On top of it, the book flows at a fast pace, and there is never a dull moment.

The best chapter, in my opinion, is on Jacob Diamond. There are many interesting anecdotes and legends about the British Raj and how they controlled the nawabs and princes. Many readers might be unaware of so many maharajas having European wives, even when the British actively discouraged such marriages, lest their rule be perceived as soft. The phenomenon of 'Fishing Fleets', 'Cargo of Young Damsels ', and 'Returned Empties' showcases the peculiar human behaviour of the times.

Another praiseworthy thing is that the author connected every diamond to its roots in the Puranic stories. The reader, thus, feels that diamonds are the symbols of Hindu deities, making them not just material but also cultural, religious, and civilizational.

The forewords by Koenraad Elst and Anand Ranganathan add further weight and wit to the narrative. They, as usual, came up with the witty one-liners, bringing out the substance of the book.

However, the book is not without its share of weaknesses. Occasionally, the narrative covers extensive, deep historical ground and may feel dense to those seeking lighter reading. At times, the tone leans towards advocacy, especially on themes of restitution and Indian pride, which will resonate deeply with many but may spark debate among others. He has dedicated a whole chapter to the Mughals' love for diamonds and rubies and how they went on to acquire a major chunk of these fabulous gems.  The length of the chapters is also uneven. Some chapters, like Kohinoor, Hope, and Jacob, take the bulk of the bandwidth, while those of Orlov, Regent, and Nassak are left high and dry. Several other big diamonds aren't mentioned at all. Probably, he might be thinking of writing a second volume.

Conclusion

Amit Agarwal succeeds in weaving together history, legend, and contemporary relevance in "Not Just Kohinoor". The book is an engrossing account of India's greatest diamonds and a powerful reminder of the lasting consequences of Mughalia and colonial loot. The saga of India's diamonds is the saga of India itself—glorious, plundered, wounded, yet unforgettable. This book will appeal not only to history and heritage enthusiasts but also to policymakers and opinion leaders who can further the conversation on the reclamation of our beloved gems.

For readers interested in history, politics, or cultural heritage, it is a compelling and timely work worthy of attention.

Price: Rs 399

Pages: 358

Publisher: Karmanya Publications