Why is Land Measurement in India so Confusing?
If you have ever tried to buy land in India or read a Satbara Utara (7/12) extract, you likely encountered a unit you didn't recognize. Why is a Bigha in Bihar four times larger than a Bigha in Uttarakhand?
The answer lies in India's fragmented history. Before the metric system was adopted, land measurement was governed by local rulers, the Mughal Empire, and later the British Raj.
- The Mughal Influence: Emperor Akbar's finance minister, Todar Mal, standardized units like the Ilahi Gaj, which evolved into today's Bigha.
- The British Legacy: The British introduced the Acre and Guntha (1/40th of an Acre) to standardize revenue collection.
- Post-Independence: While modern India officially uses Hectares and Square Meters for legal deeds, the local vernacular units remain legally valid for understanding land extent in rural and semi-urban areas.
This guide breaks down these units state-by-state, helping you navigate the complex terrain of Indian real estate documentation.