Mahboob Ali Khan was the nizam of Hyderabad and came to Delhi with his regent, the formidable Sir Salar Jung. When Mahboob Ali Khan sanctioned ₹5,000, his secretary wondered if he had made a mistake. Mounting the animal triumphantly now, Mahboob Ali Khan went to meet this very viceroy, before whom he almost mockingly swore allegiance to the British crown. The seller sued Mahboob Ali Khan, causing an irate nizam to throw the diamond into a sock and store it in a shoe. Storming out of the palace, Mahboob Ali Khan decided to binge on alcohol for three whole days, till he was comatose.

Source: Mint May 10, 2019 02:59 UTC