The Human Cost of Gold | National Geographic Magazine: India Wedding | Bride in Gold | Chikmagalur, India

Previous Image Next Image

India Wedding | Bride in Gold | Chikmagalur, India

80 percent of weddings in India are still arranged and most involve a dowry. There are 10 million weddings in India every year. Adding to the pressure: more than 47 million Indians girls from age 15 to 29 have not yet married. The piece in her hair is 2KG and over 100 years old.  The workmanship places its value at around $500,000 USD.  Total wealth hanging off this bride is about $700,000.  There were times when it was painful for her to keep her head straight. The thread in her sari is 24K gold thread as well.