Introduction:
India, a country with a rich cultural diversity, has a wide variety of regional languages, customs, and practices. This diversity is also reflected in the way land is measured across different states and regions. While the government of India uses standard units of measurement for land and area, such as square meters, hectares, and acres, many local units of area measurement persist in several parts of the country due to historical and linguistic factors. In this blog, we will explore the official units of area measurement used by the Indian government and compare them with the local units of measurement still in use in various Indian states, highlighting how language and culture influence land measurement systems.
Government Units of Area Measurement in India
The Indian government follows the International System of Units (SI) for most standard measurements, and this includes the measurement of land area. The official units used across India are:
- Square Meter (m²): The fundamental unit for measuring area, widely used in cities, towns, and formal land transactions.
- Hectare (ha): Equal to 10,000 square meters, this unit is commonly used for larger plots of land, particularly in rural and agricultural contexts.
- Acre: Another unit frequently used to measure land area, especially in urban planning, real estate, and agricultural land. One acre is equal to 43,560 square feet (approximately 4047 square meters).
- Square Kilometre (km²): Used to measure larger regions, such as districts, cities, and rural areas.
These units have been adopted to maintain consistency in land records, government documents, and real estate transactions. The Metric System (SI) ensures that measurements are universally understood and standardized.
Local Units of Area Measurement in India
Despite the standardization of land measurements by the government, local units of area measurement still hold cultural significance in various parts of India. These units are often based on historical practices, regional customs, and linguistic factors, and they differ from state to state. Here’s a look at some of the regional units:
- Bigha (Bigha / Bhiga): One of the most commonly used units in rural India, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, and Rajasthan. The size of a Bigha varies widely by region:
- In Punjab and Haryana, 1 Bigha is approximately 2,500 square meters.
- In Uttar Pradesh, it can range from 2,000 to 2,500 square meters.
- Kottah (West Bengal, Odisha): In West Bengal and parts of Odisha, land is often measured in Kottah. One Kottah is equivalent to approximately 72.25 square yards (or about 60 square meters).
- Guntha (Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh): In states like Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, land area is measured in Guntha. One Guntha is approximately 1,089 square feet (about 101 square meters).
- Cent (Kerala, Tamil Nadu): In the southern states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the Cent is a common unit for measuring land area. One Cent is equal to 435.6 square feet (or approximately 40.47 square meters).
- Marla (Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir): The Marla is used in areas like Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and parts of Himachal Pradesh. The size of 1 Marla can vary but is typically 272.25 square feet (approximately 25.3 square meters).
- Are (North Eastern States): In Nagaland and other northeastern states, the unit Are is used for land measurement. One Are is equivalent to 100 square meters.
Linguistic Influence on Local Units of Area Measurement
The regional variations in area measurement units in India can often be traced back to linguistic diversity. Different languages and dialects often have unique words for land measurements, influenced by historical trade practices, agrarian societies, and cultural norms. For instance:
- The term Bigha is used in several Hindi-speaking states, while Kottah is predominantly used in Bengali-speaking regions.
- The use of Marla is common in the Punjabi language, while Guntha and Are are used in regions with a mix of Marathi and Telugu speaking populations.
These local units are deeply embedded in the local language and customs, making it easier for farmers and landowners to measure land in a manner they have traditionally understood.
For example, in Punjab, the term Marla is commonly used to describe land in both rural and urban settings. The Guntha unit, on the other hand, is widely used in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, regions with rich agricultural history.
Comparison: Government vs. Local Units
- Government-Standardized Units (SI System): These units are more precise and universally understood across the country and internationally. They allow for standardized land transactions, clear documentation, and easy comparison of land sizes.
- Local Units: While local units may not always align with the international standards, they play an important role in daily transactions and cultural significance. They are still in use due to tradition, convenience, and familiarity with local practices.
For instance, a Bigha in Rajasthan or Uttar Pradesh may differ from one state to another in terms of size, but it is still widely used by farmers, local traders, and even government agencies for agricultural purposes. The conversion of these units to standard units like square meters and acres is often required during property sales or government records.
Why the Discrepancy Matters
The difference in units of area measurement can sometimes lead to confusion when property transactions cross state lines, particularly in the real estate market. Real estate professionals, investors, and buyers need to understand both the local units and the official government units to make informed decisions.
For instance, if you are buying land in Punjab, where Bighas are commonly used, it’s essential to know how to convert this into hectares or acres for comparison with properties in other states or for legal documentation.
Conclusion
India’s diverse cultural and linguistic landscape has shaped the units of area measurement used across different regions. While the Indian government uses standard units like hectares, acres, and square meters, local units such as Bigha, Guntha, and Marla still persist due to historical, linguistic, and cultural factors.
As the country progresses toward greater economic development and modernization, understanding both government-mandated and local units of measurement becomes increasingly important, especially in the real estate and agricultural sectors.
By promoting awareness and education about standardized units of measurement and local units, we can bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, ensuring smooth transactions and better property management for all.
A Comprehensive Guide to Land Measurement Units: Bigha, Kottah, Cent, Are, Hectare, Square Meter, Acre, and Square Foot
