GUWAHATI: Gold has long been a symbol of wealth, tradition, and cultural significance in India, forming an inseparable part of women’s lives. Indian women have a deep-rooted connection with gold jewellery, across generations. According to the reports of World Gold Council, Indian women own around 24,000 tonnes of gold, representing roughly 11% of the world’s total gold reserves in jewellery form.
ALSO READ: STF Apprehends Prime Accused In Assam's Kokrajhar Under Operation Praghat
This cultural attachment to gold has resulted in Indian women collectively amassing a staggering quantity of the precious metal. From intricate bridal jewellery to simple gold bars, no Indian wedding is complete without the gleam of gold as a cherished gift.
The figures highlight the extraordinary scale of gold ownership in India. Indian women’s gold holdings alone exceed the combined reserves of the top five gold-holding nations. Furthermore, the United States possesses approximately 8,000 tonnes, Germany 3,300 tonnes, Italy 2,450 tonnes, France 2,400 tonnes, and Russia 1,900 tonnes. Even the aggregated reserves of these nations fall short of the gold held by Indian women. A report by the Oxford Gold Group further notes that Indian households own 11% of the world’s gold—more than the reserves held by the United States, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Switzerland, and Germany combined.
Southern India emerges as a significant hub of gold ownership, accounting for 40% of the nation’s total gold. Tamil Nadu alone holds 28% of this wealth, underscoring the region’s cultural and economic emphasis on gold. Studies by the World Gold Council reveal that Indian households owned between 21,000 and 23,000 tonnes of gold in 2020–21. By 2023, this figure had risen to 24,000–25,000 tonnes—equivalent to over 25 million kilograms of gold, representing a substantial portion of the country’s wealth. Remarkably, this gold reserve contributes to economic stability, covering 40% of India’s GDP.
Indian tax laws also reflect the cultural significance of gold ownership. Married women are legally permitted to own up to 500 grams of gold, while unmarried women may hold up to 250 grams. Men, however, face a lower limit of 100 grams.
