Golconda Diamond Trade

Timeline

1. 1400–1450Kollur (on the Krishna River) · Andhra PradeshAlluvial deposits along the tributaries of the Krishna River yielded large quantities of rough stones; local extraction was operated under license from the ruler, and rough stones were carried overland to near Golconda Fort for cutting, grading, and central storage before distribution to domestic and foreign merchants.
2. 1461–1518Golconda · TelanganaAround the breakup of the Bahmani Sultanate, Golconda became a hub of the diamond trade; Armenian, Persian, and Gujarati merchants sold diamonds to the Ottoman Empire and Venice via Cambay and Hormuz, and European documents began using 'Golconda' to denote fine Indian diamonds.
3. 1518–1687Golconda and Hyderabad · TelanganaAfter the establishment of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, the sultan directly monopolized diamond mining and export licenses; the treasury and market inside Golconda Fort became places European envoys and merchants vied to visit, and famous diamonds such as the Hope Diamond flowed out through it.