Bhubaneswar: Acclaimed writer and historian William Dalrymple Saturday addressed the Odisha Knowledge Hub (OKH) lecture here at State Secretariat.
“Koh-i-noor has a controversial history and there are many claimants to it. The gem is one of the largest cut diamonds in the world, weighing 105.6 carats. The term Koh-i-Noor is Persian meaning “Mountain of Light”; it has been known by this name since 18th century. The gem has changed hands among various parts of Globe like Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. Presently it is ceded to Queen Victoria as part of the British Crown jewels,” he said.
Stating Koh-i-noor is an integral part of Indian history, art and literature, the writer said it symbolised colonial sovereignty in India.
He also related to the historical reference of King Ranjit Singh presenting the jewel to Lord Jagannath at Puri. Dalrymple termed Koh-i-noor as the most infamous diamond of the world because of the controversies around its ownership and after effects of its possession.
Development Commissioner Asit Kumar Tripathy introduced him to the audience and said he is the author of nine world famous books about India and Islamic world.
Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi along with Additional Chief Secretaries and senior government officers participated in the ‘open session’ following the lecture.