The arrival of the monsoon in Andhra Pradesh’s Rayalaseema region has ignited a feverish diamond hunt in Kurnool and Anantapur districts, transforming rain-soaked fields into treasure-hunting grounds. As early rains wash away topsoil, villagers, farmers, and outsiders flock to areas like Jonnagiri, Tuggali, and Peravali mandals, driven by the allure of unearthing precious stones that could change their lives overnight. This seasonal phenomenon, rooted in centuries-old folklore, blends hope, chance, and persistence, but it also raises concerns about exploitation and the lack of regulatory oversight.
The diamond rush, which peaks during the rainy months, has become a cultural hallmark of the region, with stories of ordinary individuals striking it rich fueling widespread interest. Bharat Palod, an entrepreneur from Mahabubnagar, Telangana, told PTI, “Even if you pick a stone, it may turn your fortunes.” Having sold a diamond for Rs 8 lakh this year after his first find in 2018, Palod’s story exemplifies the life-changing potential of these discoveries. Similarly, Deepika Dusakanti, a social worker, used proceeds from a Rs 5 lakh diamond sale to fund education for underprivileged children and plans to do the same with a Rs 10 lakh find this season.
The region’s diamond-bearing fields, part of the Wajrakarur Kimberlite Field, have a storied history linked to the Vijayanagara empire, when diamonds reportedly adorned royal treasuries. Heavy rains expose these gems by eroding soil, particularly in black soil fields across Jonnagiri, Pagidirai, Erragudi, and Upparlapalli. This year, notable finds include a Rs 2 crore diamond sold by farmer Srinivasulu in Maddikera mandal, the most valuable discovery reported so far, and a Rs 13.5 lakh stone found by Prasanna, a woman farmer in Tuggali’s Lower Chintalkonda village. Venkateshwara Reddy, a farm worker in Peravali, also sold a diamond for Rs 15 lakh, sparking excitement across entire villages.
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Despite these success stories, the diamond trade is fraught with challenges. Most hunters return empty-handed after days of laborious digging, yet the occasional jackpot keeps thousands motivated. Farmers and locals allege that trader syndicates exploit them by offering low prices, citing dubious quality concerns or threatening legal action. Srinivasulu, the farmer who sold the Rs 2 crore diamond, questioned, “If the government can fix a minimum price for agricultural produce, why not for diamonds?” Some villagers have begun resisting by holding public auctions or advertising finds on social media to secure better deals, but the trade remains largely unregulated.
Kurnool DIG Koya Praveen noted that while villagers claim ownership of the lands and occasionally resist outsiders, no major disputes or crimes have been reported. P Bajranglal, a landowner in Anantapur with over 40 acres, supports the hunters, providing food and water. “If these diamonds bring happiness to others’ lives, I fully support it,” he said. However, local farmers like Khayyum Khan in Vajrakarur lament the disruption caused by crowds trampling crops, highlighting tensions between agricultural needs and the diamond rush.
The region’s diamond culture, often described as “diamond farming,” sees families return from migrant work during the monsoon to scour fields, camping under trees or near temples. An archaeology student, Naman, found stones that will fund his studies while aiding research into Telugu history, illustrating the diverse motivations behind the hunt. Meanwhile, Godavariamma, a farmer from Chittoor, traveled to Jonnagiri inspired by viral videos, determined to support her family’s needs despite arriving late in the season.
The lack of a regulatory framework remains a pressing issue. Officials acknowledge the informal nature of the trade makes government intervention challenging, yet calls for fair pricing and protections against exploitation are growing. The Geological Survey of India confirms the region’s rich diamond deposits, with Andhra Pradesh accounting for 40% of India’s diamond resources. As the monsoon continues, Kurnool and Anantapur remain hubs of hope and hustle, where the promise of a glittering stone keeps the dream of fortune alive, even as it underscores the need for equitable systems to support this unique tradition.
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