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The Nassak (Nashik) Diamond The Nassak (Nashik) diamond also known as the Eye of the Idol diamond, is a large, 43.38 carats (8.676 g) diamond that originated as a larger 89 carat diamond in the 15th century in India. It was found in Golconda mines of Kollur, Andhra Pradesh and was the adornment of Shivalingam in the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, near Nashik, in the state of Maharashtra. The Nashik diamond was looted by British East India Company during the Third Anglo-Maratha War in 1817 and sold to British jewellers Rundell and Bridge in 1818 for 3,000 pounds (equivalent today to £224,000). Rundell and Bridge recut the diamond after which it made its way into the handle of the 1st Marquess of Westminster's dress sword. The Nassak Diamond was imported into the United States in 1927, and was considered one of the first 24 great diamonds of the world by 1930. American jeweller Harry Winston acquired the Nassak Diamond in 1940 in Paris, France and recut it to its present fl…

What is the greatest contribution  of the Maratha Empire? Did you know, 7 out of 12 current Jyotirlinga Temples were rebuilt by Marathas under their rule! Here is the list… 1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttarpradesh. In 1669 CE, Emperor Aurangzeb destroyed the temple. In 1777 CE, Maratha Queen Ahilyabai Holkar built the present temple of Kashi Vishwanath. In 1828, Maharani Baiza Bai Scindia built a low-roofed colonnade with over 40 pillars in the Gyan Vapi precinct. 1844, Raghuji Bhonsle III of Nagpur donated silver to the temple. 2. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Mahārashtra. In 1690, Aurangazeb destroyed the Temple and set up a Mosque on it! In 1754, Peshwa Bajirao pulled down the Mosque and reconstructed temple at the cost of 16 lakh rupees also changed the name of city from Gulshanabad to Nashik. Sadashivrao bhau presented gold crown to the temple [Marathas also marked the sum of Rs.16000 a ye…