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| Orlov diamond stolen from Srirangam temple.blog.jewelove.in |
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| Orlov diamond stolen from Srirangam Hindu temple,ndia. imgarcade.com |
The story of the Orlov Diamond and its connection to the Srirangam temple in Tamil Nadu is one of history, intrigue, and cultural significance. Here is a condensed account of its fascinating journey:
Origins and Significance:
The Orlov Diamond, a bluish-white gem weighing 189.62 carats, was mined from the now-defunct Kollur Mines near Guntur in Andhra Pradesh, once part of the famed Golconda kingdom. India, particularly the Golconda region, was renowned for producing some of the world's most magnificent diamonds, including the Koh-i-Noor and Hope diamonds.
This diamond is said to have adorned the eye of Lord Vishnu's idol in the Srirangam Temple, one of the most sacred Vishnu temples in India. Offering jewels to temple deities was a long-standing tradition, often funded by kings, nobles, and devotees as an act of devotion.
The Theft:
In 1747, during the turbulent times of the Anglo-Carnatic Wars, a French deserter turned Hindu convert allegedly stole one of the diamonds from Lord Ranganathar’s eyes. This daring theft was reportedly made possible by the thief gaining the trust of the temple priests over time. The actual details of how the thief accessed the sanctum sanctorum, a highly secure and sacred space, remain shrouded in mystery.
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| Srirangam Ranganathar temple,TN,Alamy.com |
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| Interior,Srirangam Ranganathar temple,TN.talesofanomad.com |
The thief later sold the diamond to a British ship captain in Madras (modern-day Chennai) for £2,000, who transported it to London. Over time, it changed hands and eventually reached Russia.
The Orlov Diamond in Russia:
In 1772, Count Gregory Orlov purchased the diamond for 400,000 rubles and presented it to Empress Catherine the Great of Russia in an attempt to rekindle their romantic relationship. Catherine, though grateful, did not return Orlov's affections and had the diamond set into the Imperial Sceptre, a part of the Romanov crown jewels. The diamond remains in the Kremlin's Diamond Fund today.
The Curse:
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| Empress Catherine the great. famousdiamonds.tripod.com |
The temple priests at Srirangam are said to have cursed the stolen diamond, proclaiming that it would bring misfortune to its owners. While such stories of curses are a mix of legend and lore, it's noteworthy that Count Orlov faced personal despair and Catherine experienced political and personal turmoil in her later years. Such narratives often serve as cautionary tales about sacrilege and theft from sacred sites.
Connection to the Black Orlov Diamond:
Another gem, the Black Orlov Diamond, or the "Eye of Brahma," was allegedly stolen from a Hindu temple in Pondicherry, India. This black diamond, weighing 67.5 carats, is also linked to legends of misfortune and death among its owners.
Legacy:
The Orlov Diamond is a testament to India's historical prominence in diamond production and its rich temple traditions. It also highlights the vulnerability of cultural treasures during periods of political unrest. Today, the diamond remains a symbol of India's lost heritage and serves as a reminder of the need for preserving sacred and historical artifacts. Based on 2014 articles:
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