How much is 1 Tola Gold to Gram?

Gold, a timeless treasure cherished across generations, is not just shiny and valuable – it holds historical significance too. But have you ever pondered over the method of measuring this precious metal? Enter the 'Tola,' a unique unit with an intriguing origin. Let's delve into the world of Tolas, uncovering their history, purpose, and role in gold measurement.

What Is A Tola?

A 'Tola' (also spelt as tolah or tole) is an ancient weight measurement introduced in India and South Asia around 1833. Its purpose was to facilitate the fair exchange of grain and precious metals. In today's metric system, 1 Tola equals approximately 11.7 grams. Interestingly, the first Indian Rupee minted during the 16th century nearly equalled one Tola. The British East India Company later standardized the silver Tola at 180 troy grains, solidifying its measurement.

Origin and History of Tola Gold

The term 'Tola' has its roots in the Vedic period. It finds its linguistic origin in Sanskrit, where 'Tola' signifies 'balance' or 'scale.' In the past, as trade flourished with commodities like gold and spices, the need for a universal measurement arose. The Tola stepped in to bridge this gap, providing a familiar and equitable measurement standard.

Is Tola Still Used for Gold Today?

While the traditional Tola enjoyed widespread usage until the mid-20th century, adopting the metric system in countries like India and England led to its transformation. Today, the Tola's weight is translated into grams, with the agreed-upon value being 11.7 grams.

1 Tola Gold in Grams: Standard vs. Indian Jewellers

The Tola maintains its relevance in South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, and Nepal, particularly in the realm of gold and precious metals. Although officially 11.7 grams, many Indian jewellers have rounded to 10 grams for easy calculations and understanding. Notably, 1 Tola can be 10 or 11.7 grams, depending on where you purchase it. The UK tends to adhere to the 11.7-gram measurement, while India often leans toward 10 grams.

A Multifaceted Measurement:

The Tola's significance extends beyond its numerical value. It serves as a bridge between varying measurement systems. For instance, while a Tola roughly equals 11.7 grams, it also corresponds to around 180 grains – a measurement frequently used in Western countries. The Tola thus acts as a translator, facilitating communication among diverse measurement practices.

Summing Up The Journey:

The query about the grams in 1 Tola of gold unveils an enthralling voyage through time and culture. Emerging from ancient India, the Tola has left an indelible mark on the realm of gold measurement. Its historical heritage, regional importance, and flexibility persist as it continues to be utilized for gold and other commodities in select corners of the world. The term 'Tola' no longer denotes weight; it encapsulates centuries of history and a shared understanding of measurement.

Tola and gram conversion table for gold weights

Quick conversion chart of Tola to Gram [India]

FAQs

1- How many grams of gold is equivalent to 1 Tola?

Ans- 1 Tola is equivalent to approximately 11.7 grams of gold. However, Indian jewellers round it out to 10 grams for ease of calculation.

 

2- Which countries use Tola as a denomination for gold?

Ans- Tola is used as a denomination for gold in countries like India, Pakistan, and Nepal.

 

Q3. What is 8 grams of gold called?

Ans. Similar to a Tola, there is another metric for gold- one Pavan. It is commonly used in the Indian gold industry and is also called a ‘sovereign’. One sovereign or pavan equals 7.98805 grams, but to make the trades easier, the value is rounded to 8 grams. 

 

Q4. How do you convert Gram to Tola?

Ans. To convert Gram to Tola, we must follow the metric that answers the question ‘1 tola is equal to how many grams?’. As per the measure, ‘1 Tola = 11.6638 Grams’. Accordingly, one gram will be equal to-

1 Gram = 1/11.6638 Tola = 0.085735 Tola.