The annual onset of the monsoon season triggers a unique phenomenon in parts of Kurnool District, particularly the mandals around the Tungabhadra river basin, including Jonnagiri, Tuggali, and Maddikera. This is the seasonal diamond rush, a tradition fueled by centuries-old folklore and the hope of instant fortune. Heavy rainfall washes away the topsoil in these fields, often exposing small precious stones and diamonds that were historically mined during the Vijayanagara Empire era. News of lucky finds—like a recent report of a diamond sold for an estimated ₹2 crore—sends hundreds of local villagers and outsiders flocking to these rain-washed fields. Entire families return from migrating for work to camp in makeshift tents, spending hours digging and sifting through the earth. However, this unregulated trade often leads to exploitation, as farmers are forced to sell their valuable finds to local trader syndicates for significantly lower prices. Despite the risks and the speculative nature of the hunt, the diamond rush remains a compelling, seasonal cultural event, driven by persistence and the lure of life-changing wealth.
