The 'Taj Mahal' diamond, an ancient Indian jewel dating back to the 1600s, has sparked intense debate after Margot Robbie wore it at the premiere of her film 'Wuthering Heights'. This controversy revolves around the diamond's history and its connection to the colonization of India.
Once belonging to Nur Jahan, the wife of Mughal Emperor Jehangir, the diamond was taken from India during its colonial period, along with other renowned jewels like the Kohinoor. It was acquired by Cartier and sold to Richard Burton, who gifted it to Elizabeth Taylor. The diamond's journey through history has raised questions about the ethics of its ownership and the potential return to its country of origin.
The inscription on the diamond, 'Nur Jahan Begum-e-Padshah, 23, 1037', indicates its ownership and the duration of Jehangir's rule. The date, 1037, corresponds to 1627 AD in the Islamic calendar. This jewel's deep-rooted Indian history has drawn criticism, with many urging Cartier to return it to India, especially as the country has been advocating for the return of artifacts taken during colonization.
This isn't the first time Cartier has faced backlash from the Indian public. At the 2025 Met Gala, Indian actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh was denied the use of a necklace originally made for Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, Punjab. The controversy was further intensified when YouTuber Emma Chamberlain wore a Cartier choker believed to be part of the same necklace at the 2022 Met Gala.
Robbie's appearance with the Taj Mahal diamond has reignited discussions about the return of artifacts taken from the Indian subcontinent during colonization. The Kohinoor, currently part of the British Crown Jewels, remains a prominent example of this ongoing debate.
