In Mughal history, who was the first Mughal ruler to acquire the famous Koh i Noor diamond as part of the imperial treasury after the early sixteenth century conquests in North India?

Introduction / Context:
This question is about the famous Koh i Noor diamond, one of the most legendary gemstones in world history, and its connection with the Mughals. The Koh i Noor passed through several dynasties and empires. In the context of the Mughal Empire, one particular ruler is recognised as the first to bring the diamond into the Mughal treasury after his early victories in North India. Identifying this ruler helps link political events with symbolic royal possessions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The object in question is the Koh i Noor diamond.
• The focus is on the first Mughal ruler who acquired it.
• The options list Mughal emperors Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan.
• The time frame hinted at is the early sixteenth century, during the establishment of Mughal rule in North India.

Concept / Approach:
The key concept is the outcome of the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, where Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi and captured his immense treasury. Historical accounts indicate that among the treasures taken was a large diamond widely considered to be the Koh i Noor. Babur describes receiving a famous diamond as a gift from his son Humayun after the battle of Khanua, and this stone is commonly identified as the Koh i Noor. Later Mughal emperors such as Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan inherited it as part of the imperial collection, but Babur is regarded as the first Mughal to possess it.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Babur founded the Mughal Empire in India after winning the First Battle of Panipat in 1526.Step 2: Recognise that after his victories Babur captured the treasures of the defeated rulers, including a famous large diamond.Step 3: Understand that later tradition identifies this diamond with the Koh i Noor, which then remained in Mughal possession for generations.Step 4: Compare this information with the list of emperors. Babur comes earliest in the sequence and is linked directly with the initial acquisition.Step 5: Conclude that Babur, not his successors, was the first Mughal ruler to acquire the Koh i Noor diamond.

Verification / Alternative check:

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Humayun: He inherited treasures from Babur and also lost and regained parts of his empire, but he was not the first Mughal to acquire the Koh i Noor.
• Akbar: He consolidated the empire and extended it greatly, yet the diamond was already within the Mughal treasury by his time.
• Jahangir: Known for his patronage of art and love of jewels, but he received the diamond as a legacy, not as the first acquirer.
• Shah Jahan: Famous for architecture and the Peacock Throne set with precious stones, but again he did not first acquire the Koh i Noor.

Common Pitfalls:
Because Shah Jahan and Jahangir are strongly associated with luxurious courts and jewel studded thrones, candidates sometimes assume that one of them must have obtained the Koh i Noor originally. Others think of Humayun because he is connected with stories of giving and receiving the diamond within the family. The most reliable approach is to track possession back to the first successful conqueror of North India in the Mughal line, which is Babur.

Final Answer:
The first Mughal ruler to acquire the Koh i Noor diamond as part of the imperial treasury was Babur.