The Mountain Of Light

"One diamond. Two empires. And centuries of whispered power."

The Mountain of Light is Indu Sundaresan’s sweeping tale of the infamous Koh-i-Noor diamond—an object of beauty, obsession, and ruthless ambition. Told through the eyes of those who carried it, lost it, and stole it, this novel doesn’t just trace the diamond’s physical journey from India to England—it dives deep into the human cost of power, empire, and possession.

We start in the lavish courts of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, where the diamond is more than a jewel—it's a symbol of pride and divine legitimacy. But as the British tighten their grip on India, the jewel becomes bait, leverage, and ultimately, a trophy of conquest. It passes through the hands of generals, governors, and royals, eventually landing in Queen Victoria’s crown—but not before changing countless lives in its wake.

Sundaresan’s writing is deliberate, lyrical, and emotionally rich. She doesn’t just narrate history—she invites you to feel its weight. The novel peels back layers of politics, betrayal, and cultural shifts with sharp insight. The real triumph? She gives voice to those often left out of the historical record: the women, the children, the conquered.

If you're into immersive reads that combine historical truth with emotional storytelling, this one delivers. And with free pdf download and free books download available on Bookdio, getting your hands on this literary gem is as effortless as it is rewarding.