What is Bigha: Meaning and Regional Variations
Bigha (बीघा) is a historical land measurement unit derived from traditional land revenue surveys. While not part of the metric International System (SI) of Units, it remains the standard land unit across Hindi-speaking states.
A critical legal and practical factor in land transactions is that one Bigha does not represent a uniform national area. Each state revenue department defines Bigha dimensions according to local historical settlement measuring rods (Gatha or Jarib).
- Definition: Traditional agricultural land area unit widely recognized in state revenue records (Bhulekh)
- Sub-units: 1 Bigha is subdivided into 20 Biswa (or Katha depending on state nomenclature)
- Standard square footage: Ranges from 9,075 sq ft (Kachha Bigha) to 27,225 sq ft (Pucca Bigha)
- Official status: Legal land deeds record Bigha alongside standard metric Hectares or square meters
Pucca Bigha vs Kachha Bigha in North India
In states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana, land records distinguish between Pucca Bigha (पक्का बीघा) and Kachha Bigha (कच्चा बीघा).
A Pucca Bigha is the standard legal revenue unit, measuring 3,025 square yards (27,225 square feet, or approximately 0.625 acres). A Kachha Bigha is traditionally one-third the size of a Pucca Bigha, measuring 1,008.33 square yards (9,075 square feet, or roughly 0.208 acres).
- Pucca Bigha: 27,225 square feet (3,025 square yards, or 2,529.3 square meters = 5/8 acre)
- Kachha Bigha: 9,075 square feet (1,008.33 square yards, or 843.1 square meters = 1/3 Pucca Bigha)
- Biswa division: 1 Pucca Bigha = 20 Pucca Biswa (1 Biswa = 1,361.25 sq ft)
- Usage context: Pucca Bigha is recorded in formal bank loan hypothecations and registry deeds
State-Wise Bigha Values Across India
Landowners must consult their state revenue department definitions to verify exact conversion values when calculating land areas, crop insurance acreages, and credit limits.
In West Bengal, a Bigha is standardized at 14,400 square feet (1,600 sq yards = 1/3 acre), while in Bihar, a Bigha measures approximately 27,220 square feet, divided into 20 Katha.
- Uttar Pradesh (Pucca): 1 Bigha = 27,225 sq ft (1 Acre = approx. 1.6 Pucca Bigha)
- Rajasthan (Pucca): 1 Bigha = 27,225 sq ft (1 Acre = 1.6 Bigha)
- West Bengal: 1 Bigha = 14,400 sq ft (1 Acre = 3.025 Bigha; 1 Bigha = 20 Katha)
- Bihar: 1 Bigha = 27,220 sq ft (1 Acre = approx. 1.6 Bigha; 1 Bigha = 20 Katha)
- Assam: 1 Bigha = 14,400 sq ft (1 Acre = 3.025 Bigha; 1 Bigha = 5 Katha = 20 Lessa)
- Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand: 1 Bigha = approx. 8,712 sq ft (1 Acre = 5 Bigha)
Official source
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Common questions
How many square feet are in 1 Pucca Bigha in Uttar Pradesh?
In Uttar Pradesh, 1 standard Pucca Bigha equals 27,225 square feet (3,025 square yards, or 2,529.3 square meters).
How many Bighas make 1 Acre in North India?
In UP and Rajasthan, 1 Acre equals approximately 1.6 Pucca Bigha (or 4.8 Kachha Bigha), while in West Bengal and Assam, 1 Acre equals 3.025 Bigha.
How many Biswa are in one Bigha?
Throughout North India, 1 Bigha is consistently divided into 20 Biswa.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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