Sometimes, travel offers more than scenic beauty, it brings unexpected lessons. For two British travellers exploring Kerala, a simple conversation turned into an unforgettable reminder of history.
Emma and Alex Wanders were wandering through the lush streets of Kerala when they stopped to chat with a woman sitting by the roadside. What began as a friendly exchange quickly took a sharp turn when she learned that the couple was from England. With a mix of wit and conviction, the woman told them how British rulers had once looted India, taking away treasures, spices and the famed Kohinoor diamond. Her words were firm but not hostile, just a spontaneous recollection of history from someone who hadn’t forgotten.
Caught off guard, Alex tried to ease the tension by pointing out that the British had at least built a strong railway system. Emma laughed nervously and replied that perhaps they’d “speak to King Charles about it,” while Alex jokingly added that the matter was better left to their ancestors. The couple later admitted that the exchange, though awkward, stayed with them long after.
Emma shared the video on Instagram, calling it one of the most uncomfortable yet eye-opening moments of their trip. In her post, she reflected on how the woman’s comments made them think deeply about the legacy of colonialism. She wrote that they understood where that emotion came from and acknowledged how history’s wounds still linger in many parts of the world.
Here is the video:
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The video quickly went viral, sparking a flood of reactions from people in both India and the UK. Some supported the woman, saying that she had every right to speak her mind about history, while others felt the tourists had taken the exchange too seriously. Many also used the opportunity to discuss the British Museum’s colonial collections and the long-debated issue of returning artifacts like the Kohinoor diamond to their countries of origin.
The Kohinoor, one of the most famous and controversial jewels in the world, was mined in southern India centuries ago and changed hands through several empires before ending up in the British Crown Jewels after the annexation of Punjab. Though discussions about its return have resurfaced many times, it still remains in London, a powerful symbol of a shared yet painful past.
For Emma and Alex, what started as a casual encounter in Kerala became a moment of reflection, a reminder that history, no matter how old, still finds its way into the present.
