Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 104

Who acquired Kohinoor and brought back to India?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the historical context of the Kohinoor diamond's ownership.

Correct Answer: B) Maharaja Ranjeet Singh.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Civil Services, Bank PO

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Kohinoor diamond is one of the most famous diamonds in the world, with a rich and complex history that spans several centuries. The diamond has been owned by various rulers and empires, including the Mughals, the Persians, and the British, among others. However, the question specifically asks about who acquired the Kohinoor and brought it back to India.

Maharaja Ranjeet Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire, is the correct answer. Ranjeet Singh ruled the Punjab region from 1799 to 1839 and was known for his military prowess and administrative skills. He expanded his empire significantly and acquired several valuable treasures, including the Kohinoor diamond. The diamond was originally part of the Mughal treasury, and it was acquired by Ranjeet Singh during his conquests.

The Kohinoor diamond was not only a symbol of wealth but also a significant political and cultural artifact. Its acquisition by Ranjeet Singh was a testament to his power and influence in the region. The diamond was later taken by the British after the fall of the Sikh Empire in 1849, and it has since been a subject of international controversy and debate regarding its rightful ownership.

It is important to note that the other historical figures mentioned in the options, such as Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Guru Arjun Dev Ji, and Chhatrapati Shivaji, were significant in their own right but did not have any direct connection to the acquisition of the Kohinoor diamond. Guru Gobind Singh Ji was the tenth Sikh Guru and a key figure in Sikh history, while Guru Arjun Dev Ji was the fifth Sikh Guru and the builder of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple). Chhatrapati Shivaji was a Maratha warrior king who founded the Maratha Empire, but his reign did not overlap with the period when the Kohinoor diamond was acquired by Ranjeet Singh.

Understanding the historical context and the specific contributions of each historical figure is crucial for correctly identifying the answer to this question. The acquisition of the Kohinoor diamond by Maharaja Ranjeet Singh is a significant event in Indian history and highlights the complex and often contested nature of historical artifacts and their ownership.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Guru Gobind Singh Ji was the tenth Sikh Guru and a significant religious and military leader, but he did not acquire the Kohinoor diamond. This option is incorrect.
  • Option B: Maharaja Ranjeet Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire, is historically recognized for acquiring the Kohinoor diamond. This option is correct.
  • Option C: Guru Arjun Dev Ji was the fifth Sikh Guru and played a crucial role in Sikhism, but he did not acquire the Kohinoor diamond. This option is incorrect.
  • Option D: Chhatrapati Shivaji was a prominent Maratha warrior king, but he did not acquire the Kohinoor diamond. This option is incorrect.

Mnemonic: Ran for Ranjeet, Singh for Singh

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