Shah Jahan and The Peacock Throne

Shah Jahan ruled a large part of India from 1628 - 1658 - which was known as the Golden Age of the Mughal empire. Though he is most famous for building the Taj Mahal for his beloved wife who he lost during child birth, most people don't know his impact on, and interest in, gems and jewelry in the subcontinent. 

A portrait of Shah Jahan

His most beloved creation was actually his solid gold peacock throne, festooned with enamel, pearls, and precious stones to replace his father's more austere throne. Most people are stunned to know that the Peacock throne took seven years to make and cost twice as much to create than the Taj Mahal.

Shah Jahan on the Peacock Throne

It was made of 1150 Kg of gold and 230 kg of precious stones, including multiple rubies which weighed 200 carats or more each. The throne's gems also included the legendary Kohinoor diamond originally weighing 191 carats. As per researchers, in 1999 the throne alone would be valued at over 800 million dollars. 

Another portrait of the Peacock Throne

 

A Rendering of the Uncut Kohinoor

Decades later the throne was finally wrestled from Shah Jahan's lineage when the Persian emperor Nadir Shah defeated the Mughal Empire and brutalised Delhi. He stole the Peacock throne and brought it to Persia - it was said that it was carried by 7 elephants while Nadir Shah happily reclined upon it. 

A Portrait of Nadir Shah

No intact version of the throne remains today, however it was and continues to be the greatest collection of precious gemstones to grace a single object, and an unnerving reminder of the power and extravagance of the Mughals.