Top 10 Largest Landowners in India: India's land ownership landscape is dominated by various entities, including government bodies, religious organizations and private institutions. The largest portion is owned by the Indian government, which includes land for public services, defence and infrastructure. Not far behind is the Catholic Church, which is acknowledged as the nation's second-largest non-agricultural landowner. Many schools, hospitals, and places of worship are among the many properties the Church owns.
The Waqf Board is the third-largest landowner in India, managing properties dedicated to religious and charitable purposes within the Muslim community. These properties, known as waqf, include mosques, dargahs, graveyards, and educational institutions. As of December 2022, there are approximately 865,646 registered waqf properties across the country.
What Is In the New Waqf Amendment Bills 2025?
In April 2025, the Indian government introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, proposing notable changes to the management of waqf properties. Key provisions of the bill include:
1. Non-Muslim Member Inclusion: To encourage diversity and openness in the administration of waqf properties, the bill suggests adding non-Muslim members to the Central Waqf Council.
2. Waqf Declaration Verification: In order to avoid unauthorised claims, the District Collector must verify properties that have been declared waqf, as the authority to do so has been updated.
3. Protection of Inheritance Rights: The bill protects family rights by ensuring that women and children receive their just inheritance before any property is designated as waqf.
4. Dispute Resolution Mechanism: In place of the current Waqf tribunals, a senior government official will have the last say in deciding who owns a piece of property.
List of the top 10 biggest landowners in India
Here is the list of the top 10 largest landowners in India, including the Indian government, Railways, Indian armed forces, Waqf property and more.
| S. N. | Landowner | Land areas (acres) | Land Areas (Sq km) |
| 1. | Government of India | 58.07 lakh acres | 23,505 sq km |
| 2. | Indian Armed Forces | 17.31 lakh acres | 7,280 sq km |
| 3. | Indian Railways | 11.72 Lakh acres | 4,780 sq km |
| 4. | Waqf property | 9.4 lakh acres | 3,804 sq km |
| 5. | Catholic Church Trust | 2-3 lakh acres | Varies |
| 6. | State Governments | Large holdings | Varies |
| 7. | Corporate Entities & Industrialists | Large tracts owned by Adani, Ambani, Godrej, and Indiabulls Real Estate | Varies |
| 8. | NGOs | significant holdings | varies |
| 9. | DLF (Real Estate Developer) | 10,000 acres | 40 sq km |
| 10. | Government Educational Institutions | Large land area for universities, colleges, and research centers | Varies |
How Much Land Do Hindu Temples Have?
Hindu religious trusts in India collectively own around 20 lakh acres of land, making them one of the largest landholders in the country. These lands include temples, ashrams, and other religious institutions, playing a significant role in cultural, spiritual, and charitable activities. Major temples like Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (worth ₹2.5 lakh crore), Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, and Padmanabhaswamy Temple manage vast wealth, properties, and religious assets across the country.