(the Wemganga), and Saubira (the stretch between the Sarhund and Indus rivers).1
According
to this showing the diamond is scattered over a wide ranging region,
but it occurs everywhere in one of two comprehensive formations, —
alluvial or otherwise disintegrated surface deposits, and conglomerate
rocks of far receding geologic antiquity, belonging to the Vindyhan
formation, which borrows its name from the Vindyhan Hills of old
geographers.2 It seems reasonable to presume that the
surface wash comes from the disintegration of the seat of the diamond
in conglomerate beds, — for even in alluvial gravels there are
frequently no diamonds found outside of a conglomerate of rounded
pebbles and sandstone breccia. It is likely that the first diamonds
were taken from the surface wash and that the more solid breccia was
opened later.
In
some of the diamond-bearing districts of India to-day the native
villagers are searching for diamonds exactly as their fathers did in
days of remotest tradition. After a heavy rain that washes away loose
soil, a sprinkling of diamonds may be found in exposed sandstone
breccia, and sharp-eyed Hindoos scrape the face of the ground for the
precious crystals.
Along
the banks of the Kistna and Godaveri rivers the Golconda of tradition
outstretched, and this diamond-studded ground came later into the hands
of the Nizam of Hyderabad, and was included in the bounds of the Madras
Presidency. Here, it is claimed, was the bed of the Koh-i-nur and
Regent and Great Mogul, and others of the jewels most renowned in
history and romance. Here, of a certainty, was the richest diamond
field in India, in
1 "Mani Mala," Calcutta, 1879.
8 " Manual of Geological Survey of India," Professor V. Ball, Vol. III.
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