Should The Koh-I-Noor Be Returned? Mamdani vs King Charles III EXPLAINED

Should The Koh-I-Noor Be Returned? Mamdani vs King Charles III EXPLAINED

From Empire: World History by Goalhanger

May 1, 2026 · 29 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the ownership and history of the Koh-I-Noor diamond, including a debate on its return to India.

Who does the Koh-I-Noor diamond truly belong to? Why is it considered cursed? And should it be returned? The Koh-I-Noor diamond has been in the headlines this week with Mayor Zohran Mamdani stating that he would tell King Charles III to return it to India. As William and Anita wrote the definitive book on the cursed jewel, they provide a round-up of its long history and how it made its way into the British crown still on display in the Tower of London. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com. Email: empire@goalhanger.com Instagram: @empirepoduk Blue Sky: @empirepoduk X: @empirepoduk Assistant Producer and Editor: Imogen Marriott Social Producer: Charlie Johnson Producer: Anouska Lewis Executive Producer: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Guest: Mamdani

Topics covered

  • Koh-I-Noor diamond
  • cursed jewels
  • British crown
  • historical artifacts
  • repatriation debate

Keywords

  • Koh-I-Noor
  • diamond
  • cursed
  • repatriation
  • history
  • British crown
  • Tower of London

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Goalhanger

Places: India, Tower of London

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