Historic Surge in Gold Prices: From ₹99 in 1950 to Over ₹1.83 Lakh in January 2026

New Delhi, January 2026:

Gold prices in India have witnessed an extraordinary rise over the past seven decades, reflecting the metal’s enduring value as a safe-haven asset and hedge against inflation. Official market data show that the price of 24-carat gold, which stood at around ₹99 per 10 grams in 1950, has surged to over ₹1.83 lakh per 10 grams in January 2026, marking a historic high.

In the early decades after independence, gold prices remained largely stable, hovering below ₹200 per 10 grams until the late 1960s. A sharp upward trend began in the 1970s amid global economic uncertainty, oil shocks, and the collapse of the Bretton Woods system. By 1980, gold prices had crossed ₹1,300 per 10 grams, a level considered unprecedented at the time.

The liberalisation of the Indian economy in the 1990s, coupled with changing global market dynamics, pushed gold prices further upward. By the year 2000, gold was trading around ₹4,400 per 10 grams. The 2008 global financial crisis and subsequent economic instability accelerated the rally, with prices touching nearly ₹24,000 per 10 grams by 2011.

In the last decade, factors such as rising inflation, geopolitical tensions, currency fluctuations, and increased investment demand have driven gold prices sharply higher. The COVID-19 pandemic saw gold cross the ₹50,000 mark in 2020, while continued global uncertainty and strong demand propelled prices to new records in 2024 and 2025.

As of January 2026, gold has reached an all-time high of approximately ₹1.83 lakh per 10 grams, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most reliable long-term investments in India. Market experts believe that while short-term fluctuations may continue, gold’s historical performance highlights its importance in preserving wealth over generations.

This report is based on long-term historical averages of 24-carat gold prices in India; actual market rates may vary by location and time.