In the year 1701, Thomas Pit or 'Diamond Pit' as he was called, was the governor of the city of Madras in India. He was an interesting personality - a soldier of fortune who had set up business in opposition to the powerful East India Company. At length, that same company realising the brilliance of Pitt, took him into the firm where he became a powerful factor. Seated in his office busily at work, when he receives a visitor from Golkonda mine.