'Give it back!': Kerala woman's demand for 'Kohinoor' from British tourists goes viral

A recent video of a woman in Kerala playfully but assertively confronting two British tourists over colonial loot has gone viral, sparking a significant debate online. The interaction, which was captured on video and shared on Instagram by user @discoverwithemma_, shows the woman directly telling the tourists, "English people have looted us in India… treasure, black pepper, everything. Kohinoor is a precious and rare diamond you have looted from here. Give it back to India."

The tourists, who described the encounter as "one of the most awkward moments" of their trip, can be seen laughing awkwardly and jokingly responding, "We'll speak to King Charles and let you know."

The viral clip has garnered 8.8 million views so far.

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A post shared by Emma ✈️🌏 UGC | BANGKOK 🇹🇭 | Backpacking South East Asia✨ (@discoverwithemma_)

However, the underlying message of the woman's words was clear, and the tourists themselves acknowledged the depth of feeling behind her words.

The video has sparked a significant debate online, with many Internet users agreeing with the woman's sentiments. Many users praised her for articulating a widely held feeling in India regarding the colonial past.

"She's 100% right. The British museum is a trophy cabinet for stolen colonial trophies," one user wrote.

"It's a testament to the impact of colonialism that for you as British people THIS is the “most awkward travel moment” you've ever had as you frolic throughout countries that have been irreparably harmed by British colonialism," a user commented.

Another user pointed out, "You should be thoughtful she wasn't rude! She just asked a valid question … God forbid if it was an English at giving end."

The woman's words were not meant to be confrontational, but rather a call to acknowledge the past and take responsibility for the harm that was caused.