Our Grandmothers Knew How To Save—And They Did It in Gold

The word dowry often conjures up grim images—stories of in-laws harassing newly married brides, relentless demands for more gifts, and even horrific dowry deaths. We’ve all heard these tales, each one more devastating than the last. But it makes me wonder: was this always the purpose of dowry? What was it meant to be, before it became a tool of control?

Our ancestors, with foresight and care, gave jewellery, money, household items, and sometimes even immovable assets like land or property to their daughters at the time of marriage. In ancient India, this wasn’t called dowry—it was Stridhana.

According to the Arthashastra, a woman’s ownership of Stridhana was legally recognised. Women had full rights to own, manage, and even dispose of their Stridhana, including the freedom to pass it on to their daughters or other relatives. This wasn’t a transaction—it was a safeguard. In a society where men were traditionally the primary earners and women managed homes, Stridhana gave women a sense of financial agency and independence.

We often witness mothers-in-law bestowing gold jewellery upon their daughters-in-law during weddings, often remarking how the piece is pushtaini (ancestral), once passed down to them by their own mothers-in-law. In reality, this tradition of passing down ornaments goes far beyond mere ritual. These heirlooms were originally given with love and care, intended to ensure the financial security of the women in the family. Even decades later, gold and property retain substantial value, safeguarding future generations against financial instability. 

Generations ago, gold and property weren’t just ornamental—they were a woman's rainy-day fund, a lifeline in times of uncertainty.

The Importance Of Saving Money

This generational instinct to prepare for the unknown isn’t just preserved in gold. Years ago, I read a book by Sudha Murty in which she described how her mother’s financial advice helped both her and Narayana Murthy during the early days of Infosys. Following her mother’s simple yet profound advice, Sudha Murty began setting aside small amounts of money—quietly, consistently. Later, when Infosys was just an idea and Murthy needed capital to take the plunge, it was that very money—saved with care—that helped them begin.

"When you are young, you want to spend money and buy many things, but remember—when you are in difficulty, only a few things will come to your help: your courage, your ability to adjust to new situations, and the money you have saved. Nobody will come and help you.”― Sudha Murty, How I Taught My Grandmother to Read: And Other Stories

Before SIPs and stocks, our grandmothers saved in the form of gold. Today, in an age of credit cards, EMIs, and instant gratification, this wisdom remains quietly revolutionary. Remembering the essence of Stridhana—and what it truly stood for—can offer us not just emotional grounding, but financial resilience too.

After all, the most powerful legacy we inherit from the women before us isn’t just the gold in our lockers—it’s the foresight to prepare for life’s uncertainties with grace, grit, and unwavering self-worth.

Views expressed by the author are their own.