According to Indian media, Nita Ambani once again graced an occasion adorned in an abundance of fine diamonds, with the focus being on a bazuband that was once Emperor Shah Jahan’s kalgi from the Mughal Empire. The hand jewelry, which Ambani wore, garnered attention during the Miss World 2024 contest, when she received the ‘Beauty with Purpose Humanitarian Award.’ The bazuband is reportedly valued at an incredible INR2 billion, according to Bollywood Shaadis.
Numerous Indian websites adopted the statement of Pramod Kumar KG, the managing director of a museum consulting firm with headquarters in Delhi, who highlighted the piece’s historical significance and workmanship on his Instagram feed. He said in an article on Topophilia India, “Shah Jahan, son of Jahangir Shah, proudly proclaim the pair of inscribed spinels highlighting this sarpech (turban ornament); last seen publicly at the Al Thani Collection before being divested at auction in 2019.”
He went on, “The Grand Palais in Paris hosted the exhibition ‘From the Great Mughals to the Maharajas: Jewels from the Al Thani Collection’ in 2017.” For the “Tropes of Kingship” exhibition catalogue, I had written an article about the jeweled heraldic ornaments that symbolize the personality of sovereigns. One such imperial accoutrement exhibited was this elegant sarpech. The two inscribed spinels are the focal points of the headpiece, which appears to have been created in the last quarter of the 19th century (about 1875–1900). If the inscriptions are accurate, their age would have been 12 / Shah Jahan ibn Jahangir Shah / 1049. The date in the Islamic calendar is 1639–40, which is a date from the 17th century. To make this sarpech, two distinct spinels—possibly royal jewels—were joined to one piece in the 19th century. It begs the question, “Which Indian Princely State treasury had multiple inscriptions to spare?”
The statement continued, saying, “Made of gold, the item is 13.7 cm in height by 19.8 cm in width. It is set with rubies, diamonds, and spinels using the Pachhikakaam technique, which Indian jewellers developed in an effort to emulate European claw setting. Set in the Western manner, the lowest register consists of twelve hanging diamonds. However, Indian gems’ actual flexibility lies in their capacity to be adapted into a wide range of settings and shapes. Even when repurposed as an armband or bazuband, a sarpech remains exquisite. Not only is it back in India, but more importantly, it’s back on the human body instead of in a glass vitrine. The Mughal relic, which is currently being used as a bazuband, has Shah Jahan’s proclamation engraved on it, giving it historical importance in addition to its incredible worth.”
I am a dedicated student currently in my seventh semester, pursuing a degree in International Relations. Alongside my academic pursuits, I am actively engaged in the professional field as a content writer at the Rangeinn website.