Understanding Land Measurement Units in India
India’s land measurement units are as diverse as its culture and geography. Due to the country’s vast size and regional variations, different parts of India use different land measurement units.
If you’re planning to invest in real estate in India, it’s essential to have a good understanding of the local land measurement units. Be it the bustling cities of North India or the serene landscapes of South India, each region has its unique measurement units that reflect its historical and cultural contexts.
So, let’s take a closer look at the commonly used land measurement units in different regions of India.
Difference Between Ground and Plot
To avoid confusion in discussions related to land measurement and administration, it’s important to differentiate between two commonly used terms in real estate: ground and plot.
In real estate, a plot refers to a specific piece of land with defined boundaries and dimensions, typically reserved for a particular purpose, such as residential or commercial development. Plots can be bought, sold, or leased for construction projects, and their sizes can vary significantly depending on the intended use and local regulations.
Meanwhile, ground is a unit of land measurement frequently used in some regions of India, particularly in Tamil Nadu.
Unlike a plot, the ground is simply a unit of measurement rather than a distinct piece of land with specified boundaries. It’s often used as a standard unit for assessing the land area, especially in urban and suburban areas where properties are often divided into smaller parcels for development or sale.
Measurement Units Used in Various States
Land measurement units in India vary widely across regions, reflecting local traditions, historical practices, and administrative preferences. A myriad of units is used to quantify land area.
Terms like Bigha, Guntha, Katha, and Cent hold significance in specific states or districts, with each unit differing in size and conversion factors.
North India
In certain northern Indian states like Punjab, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, land measurement units like Bigha, Biswa, and Killa are commonly used.
The size of a Bigha may differ depending on whether it is “Pucca” or “Kachha,” indicating settled or unsettled land.
Moreover, terms like Kanal and Biswansi are used to represent specific land areas, reflecting local customs and administrative practices.
| Unit | States Used in | Conversion |
| 1 Bigha-Pucca | Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, parts of UP | 3025 sq yd, 1 Pucca-Bigha = 165 ft * 165 ft |
| 1 Bigha | Parts of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand | 1,210 sq yd |
| 1 Bigha-Kachha | Some parts of Punjab, Haryana, UP | 1008.33 sq yd |
| 1 Biswa-Pucca | Upper parts of UP, Punjab, Haryana | 151.25 sq yd |
| 1 Biswa | Some parts of HP, Uttarakhand | 48.4 sq yd |
| 1 Biswa-Kaccha | Lower parts of Punjab, Haryana, UP | 50.417 sq yd |
| 1 Biswansi | UP, Punjab, Haryana, HP, Uttarakhand | 1/20 Biswa. 1 Biswa has 20 Biswansis |
| 1 Killa | Parts of Haryana, Punjab | 4840 sq yd (An Acre is also known as Killa) |
| 1 Ghumaon | Some parts of Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab | 4840 sq yd |
| 1 Kanal | Haryana, Punjab, HP, Jammu and Kashmir | 5445 sq ft. 8 Kanals make 1 Acre |
South India
South India, which includes states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, employs distinct land measurement units such as Ankanam, Cent, Ground and Guntha.
These units often have specific dimensions, such as Guntha, measuring 33 feet by 33 feet.
| Unit | States Used in | Conversion |
| 1 Ankanam | Parts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka | 72 sqft, 1 Acre=605 Ankanams |
| 1 Cent | Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka | 435.6 sq ft |
| 1 Ground | Parts of Tamil Nadu | 2400 sq ft |
| 1 Guntha | Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka | 1089 sq ft |
| 1 Kuncham | Andhra Pradesh | 484 sq yd, 1 Kuncham=10 cents |
East India
The eastern states of India, including West Bengal, Bihar, and Assam, use land measurement units such as Chatak, Kattha, and Lecha.
These units, steeped in local traditions, symbolize not just land areas but also cultural identities.
For example, the Kattha, frequently used in Bengal, differs in size from its equivalents in other states like Bihar and Assam.
| Unit | States Used in | Conversion |
| 1 Chatak | West Bengal | 45 sq ft |
| 1 Decimal | West Bengal | 48.4 sq yd, 1 Acre=100 Decimals |
| 1 Dhur | Bihar and Jharkhand | 27.2 sq ft |
| 1 Kattha | Assam | 2880 sq ft, 1 Bigha (Assam) has 5 Katthas |
| 1 Kattha | Bengal | 720 sq ft, 1 Bigha (Bengal) has 20 Katthas |
| 1 Kattha | Bihar | 1361.25 sq ft, 1 Bigha (Bihar) has 20 Katthas |
| 1 Lecha | Assam | 144 sq ft, 20 Lechas is 1 Kattha |
West India
Moving to western states of India like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, land measurement units such as Bigha and Biswa are common.
However, these units may have distinct variations, such as the Pucca Bigha in Bihar and parts of Rajasthan, compared to the Bigha in Gujarat.
| Unit | States Used in | Conversion |
| 1 Bigha-Pucca | Bihar, some parts of Rajasthan | 3025 sq yd, 1 Pucca-Bigha = 165 ft * 165 ft |
| 1 Bigha | Gujarat | 1936 sq yd, 1 Bigha = 132 ft * 132 ft |
| 1 Biswa-Pucca | Upper parts of Rajasthan | 151.25 sq yd |
| 1 Biswa | Lower parts of Rajasthan | 96.8 sq yd |
| 1 Biswansi | Rajasthan | 1/20 Biswa. 1 Biswa has 20 Biswansis |
| Unit | States Used in | Conversion |
| 1 Bigha | Parts of Madhya Pradesh | 1333.33 sq yd |
| 1 Kattha | Madhya Pradesh | 600 sq ft, 1 Bigha (MP) has 20 Katthas |
Central India
Central India, which includes states like Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, employs unique land measurement units.
The Bigha and Kattha are commonly used to measure land parcels in these regions.
However, the dimensions and conversions of these units may differ from those in other regions, underscoring the regional diversity in land measurement practices.
Land Measurement Units Conversion
Biswa into Acres
First, let’s understand the conversion factor:
- 1 Biswa is approximately equal to 0.03099 acres.
Now, let’s calculate:
5 Biswa x 0.03099 acres/Biswa = 0.15495 acres
So, 5 Biswa of land is equivalent to approximately 0.15495 acres.
Administrators of Land Measurement in India
In India, various officers have crucial roles in land measurement and administration. The Tehsildar is a revenue administrative officer responsible for a tehsil, an administrative division within a district.
They are responsible for land revenue administration, including land measurement, collection of land revenue, and maintenance of land records. The general public often contacts them for land-related issues.
- The Naib Tehsildar, also known as the Deputy Tehsildar, assists the Tehsildar in administrative and revenue matters at the tehsil level. They supervise revenue collection, land surveys, and maintenance of land records within their jurisdiction.
- Revenue Inspectors, also referred to as Patwaris or Lekhpals in some regions, are field-level revenue officials responsible for maintaining land records, conducting surveys, and verifying land ownership. They play a crucial role in updating land records, resolving land disputes, and ensuring accurate land measurements.
- The Patwari is a village-level revenue officer responsible for maintaining and updating land records at the grassroots level. They conduct surveys, demarcate land boundaries, and keep records of land transactions within their assigned area. Patwaris play a significant role in resolving land disputes and facilitating land-related transactions for the local population.
These officers work together with higher-level authorities to ensure effective land administration, accurate land measurement, and maintenance of land records. Their roles are essential to the smooth functioning of land-related processes and the resolution of land-related disputes in India.
To Conclude:
With the knowledge of diverse land measurement units and the roles of land administration officers, individuals can confidently examine land-related processes in India’s real estate landscape.
By making informed decisions, individuals can contribute to the growth and development of the real estate sector, which plays a vital role in India’s economy.
As the real estate landscape continues to evolve, it is essential to stay informed and adapt to changes to ensure successful land transactions.
At Save Max, we prioritize accuracy and reliability in every piece of information we share, making us a trusted source for all your real estate needs. To connect with our team of experts or for any inquiries, please feel free to reach out to us. Start making informed real estate decisions today with Save Max Real Estate Brokerage.
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