State-Wise Land Measurement Standards in India

Why Land Measurements Differ by State in India

India does not have a single uniform land area unit. While the metric system (Square Meters, Hectares) is legally mandated under the Legal Metrology Act 2009, state land revenue departments operate under historical local acts established during Mughal and British administrative settlements.

North India — Bigha, Biswa, Marla, Kanal

Northern states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan use the Bigha and Biswa system. However, the Pucca Bigha value varies: UP Bigha is 27,000 sq ft, Bihar Bigha is 27,225 sq ft, and Rajasthan Bigha is 27,225 sq ft. In Punjab and Haryana, revenue records use Killa (Acre), Kanal (5,445 sq ft), and Marla (272.25 sq ft).

East & North-East — Bigha, Katha, Chatak, Lecha

In West Bengal and Assam, the Bigha is 14,400 sq ft (smaller than the northern Bigha). West Bengal subdivides 1 Bigha into 20 Kathas (720 sq ft each) and 16 Chataks (45 sq ft each). Assam subdivides 1 Bigha into 5 Kathas (2,880 sq ft each) and 100 Lechas (144 sq ft each).

South & West — Cent, Ground, Guntha, Are

Southern states use Cent (435.6 sq ft) and Ground (2,400 sq ft) in Tamil Nadu, Cent and Are (1,076.39 sq ft) in Kerala, and Gunta (1,089 sq ft) in Karnataka and Maharashtra.