It is believed to have been guarded with other treasures at Delhi until 1739, when it was carried off by Nadir Shah of Persia. After further adventures the diamond was surrendered to the East India Company, whose directors presented it to Queen Victoria of England. It was a badly cut diamond that lacked brilliance, but it weighed 191 carats. Queen Victoria had it recut by Garrards of London in 1852, and the gem now weighs 109 carats. It is among the English crown jewels.
Legend says that it was one of the eyes of an idol in a Brahman temple.
It was eventually sold to Count Orlov, once a favourite of Catherine the Great. He gave the gem to Catherine, hoping the gift would restore him to favour, but it did not. As cut, the stone weighs 199.6 carats. Indian diamond, was taken to France in the 17th century. King Louis XIV bought it and had it recut to about 68 carats.