The Curse of the Delhi Purple Sapphire

By-Aditi Chhetri

Hidden within the heart of India’s bustling capital lies a gem that has captured the imaginations of many for centuries—the Delhi Purple Sapphire. This mesmerizing gemstone is known not only for its exquisite beauty but also for the dark and mysterious legends that surround it. Often associated with misfortune, tragedy, and a series of unfortunate events, the Delhi Purple Sapphire has earned a reputation as a cursed jewel that has brought calamity to those who possessed it.

The Origin:

The story of the Delhi Purple Sapphire begins in the early 19th century when it was reportedly discovered in the Golconda mines of India. This enchanting gemstone is not a sapphire at all but rather an amethyst, which is a type of quartz known for its stunning purple color. It quickly garnered attention due to its remarkable hue and exceptional clarity. The Delhi Purple Sapphire is a legendary gemstone that is said to be cursed. It is said to bring misfortune and bad luck to anyone who possesses it. The stone is said to have been stolen from the Temple of Indra in Kanpur, India, during the Indian Mutiny of 1857. It is believed that the curse was placed on the stone by the priests of the temple as punishment for the theft. The stone Is a deep purple color and is said to be incredibly beautiful. However, its beauty is said to be deceiving, as it is said to be a harbinger of doom. The curse of the Delhi Purple Sapphire is said to affect anyone who comes into contact with the stone, including its owners, their loved ones, and even those who simply touch it. There are many stories of the misfortune that has befallen those who have possessed the Delhi Purple Sapphire

Theories on the Curse:

There are many theories about why the Delhi Purple Sapphire is cursed. Some people believe that the curse is real and that it is a form of divine punishment for those who steal from sacred places. Others believe that the curse is a myth and that the stories of misfortune are simply coincidences.
One theory is that the curse is caused by the stone itself. Some people believe that the stone is imbued with negative energy and that it has a harmful effect on those who come into contact with it. Others believe that the stone is simply a physical representation of the evil that exists in the world and that it can attract misfortune to those who possess it.
Another theory is that the curse is caused by the karma of those who steal from sacred places. According to Hindu belief, karma is the law of cause and effect. It states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. This means that those who do bad deeds will eventually be punished for their actions. Some people believe that the curse of the Delhi Purple Sapphire is a form of karmic punishment for those who stole the stone from the Temple of Indra.

The British Connection :

The Delhi Purple Sapphire’s journey took a dark turn when it came into the possession of Colonel W. Ferris, a British officer stationed in Delhi during the colonial era. Legend has it that Ferris took the gem from the eye of a Hindu idol in a temple in the city, sparking an alleged curse that would haunt him and all subsequent owners of the gem.

The Curse Unleashed:

Shortly after acquiring the Delhi Purple Sapphire, Colonel Ferris faced a series of personal and professional misfortunes. He was transferred to a remote outpost, and his health rapidly deteriorated. Some reports suggest that he lost his fortune and social standing. As the story goes, he died under mysterious circumstances, with the gem still in his possession.

The Curse Continues:

The Delhi Purple Sapphire passed through several hands after Colonel Ferris, and each new owner seemed to suffer a similar fate. Stories of accidents, financial ruin, and even untimely deaths followed the gem like a shadow. Some owners attempted to rid themselves of the cursed jewel, only to find it returning to them mysteriously. Sir John Gardner Wilkinson, a prominent Egyptologist and one of the gem’s later owners, purportedly experienced a string of calamities, including the tragic loss of his wife and child, all while the Delhi Purple Sapphire was in his possession.

The Hidden Gem:

As the curse continued to weave its dark web, the Delhi Purple Sapphire was eventually hidden away, concealed from the world. Some believe that it was buried, while others claim it was locked in a secret vault to prevent further harm.

Modern-Day Speculation:

Today, the Delhi Purple Sapphire remains shrouded in mystery. While some dismiss the curse as mere superstition, others are convinced of its malevolent power. The whereabouts of the gem are unknown, adding to the intrigue and speculation surrounding it.

Scientific Skepticism:

From a scientific standpoint, there is no concrete evidence to support the existence of curses or supernatural powers associated with gemstones. Many attribute the misfortunes experienced by those who possessed the Delhi Purple Sapphire to coincidence, bad luck, or the power of suggestion.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The legend of the cursed Delhi Purple Sapphire is deeply rooted in the colonial history of India and the cultural misunderstandings that often occurred during that time. The alleged curse may have been a way for local communities to resist the looting of their sacred treasures.

The Current Location of the Stone:

The Delhi Purple Sapphire is currently on display at the Natural History Museum in London. It was donated to the museum by the daughter of Edward Heron-Allen in 1972. The stone is kept in a secure safe and is only accessible to museum staff. There are many people who believe that the Delhi Purple Sapphire should be returned to India. They argue that the stone is sacred and that it should be kept in the temple where it belongs. However, there is no indication that the Natural History Museum intends to return the stone.

The tale of the Delhi Purple Sapphire is a captivating blend of history, superstition, and intrigue. Whether one believes in the curse or not, there is no denying the allure of this enigmatic gemstone and the stories that surround it. While it may remain hidden from view, the legend of the Delhi Purple Sapphire continues to capture the imagination, reminding us that the line between fact and folklore is often a thin one in the world of precious gems and their mysterious histories. There are many stories of the misfortune that has befallen those who have come into contact with the stone. However, it is unclear whether the curse is real. The Delhi Purple Sapphire Is currently on display at the Natural History Museum in London. There are many people who believe that the stone should be returned to India, but there is no indication that the museum intends to do so. Whether or not the Delhi Purple Sapphire is cursed, it is a fascinating and mysterious gemstone. Its story is a reminder of the power of superstition and the importance of respecting sacred places.

REFERENCES

• Cursed Gemstones – The Delhi Purple Sapphire. (n.d.). https://www.vulcans-forge.com/blog-post/cursed-gemstones-the-delhi-purple-sapphire

• Buzz, D. (2023). The Delhi Purple Sapphire – The Cursed Amethyst | Diamond Buzz. Diamond Buzz. https://diamondbuzz.blog/delhi-purple-sapphire-cursed-amethyst/

• Ashley, & Ashley. (2013, October 28). Is the Delhi Purple Sapphire Really Cursed? Part 4 Haunted Diamonds Series. Adiamor Blog. https://www.adiamor.com/blog/celebrity-engagement/is-the-delhi-purple-sapphire-really-cursed-part-4-haunted-diamonds-series

• Robb Report. (2017, September 7). The Delhi Purple Sapphire. https://robbreport.com/style/jewelry/slideshow/spine-tingling-stories-behind-four-historys-most-famous-cursed-gems/the-delhi-purple-sapphire/

• Pti. (2007, November 26). “Cursed” Delhi Purple Sapphire to go on display Wednesday. The Economic Times. https://m.economictimes.com/cursed-delhi-purple-sapphire-to-go-on-display-wednesday/articleshow/2570900.cms