Which country was the only dominant diamond source until the early 18th century?

• A. Brazil
• B. India
• C. South Africa
• D. Russia

Answer: (B)

Diamonds were known, mined, and traded from India for centuries, with the Golconda region supplying much of the world’s rough stones and Indian traders shaping the early gem market. This long-running production made India the dominant source of diamonds until a major new source emerged in the early 18th century in Brazil, where rich deposits dramatically increased supply and shifted the center of production. Only after that did other regions rise to prominence. So, the correct answer is India because it was the primary diamond source for a very long period before Brazil’s deposits changed the balance.