Daijiworld Media Network – Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 3: Two British travellers visiting Kerala found themselves at the centre of an unexpected history lesson when a group of local women confronted them about Britain’s colonial plunder of India — including its jewels, spices and the legendary Kohinoor diamond.
A video of the exchange, shared on Instagram, has since gone viral, igniting global conversations on colonial reparations and the lasting shadow of the British Empire.
The tourist, Emma, who is backpacking across Asia with her partner, posted the clip describing the moment as “extremely awkward yet eye-opening.”
“We were just standing there in Kerala when this lady asked where we were from, and the second we said England, she started telling us how the British looted India — the jewels, the spices, everything,” Emma wrote. “It was honestly one of the most awkward moments we’ve ever had while travelling,” she said.
In the video, one woman can be heard confronting the couple:“English people have looted us, the Indians. When will you give it back to us?” Another adds: “Treasure, black pepper, everything. And the Kohinoor diamond — it’s precious and the rarest diamond. They looted it from here.”
The pair, visibly taken aback but attempting to stay courteous, respond light-heartedly: “We’ll speak to King Charles and let you know. You’ll have to speak to my ancestors.”
In her caption, Emma later reflected on the encounter, saying she understood the emotions behind the exchange. “We know where that anger comes from, and we completely get it. What happened during colonial times was awful, and the more we travel, the more we realise how long the shadows of colonialism still are.”
She added that the moment left them thinking deeply about the historical legacy of British rule in India, despite trying to laugh it off in the moment.
The viral clip has drawn mixed reactions online. Many praised the Kerala women for voicing long-suppressed anger about colonial exploitation, while others empathised with the tourists, pointing out that they personally were not responsible for Britain’s imperial past.
One user commented, “She’s 100% right. The British Museum is a trophy cabinet for stolen colonial treasures.” Another countered, “You know, we know — say sorry and move on.”
Debates over colonial loot and reparations continued in the comments, with the Kohinoor diamond once again emerging as the focal point of calls for Britain to return India’s stolen heritage.