Bigha: All about land area measurement unit

In a vast country like India, each state has its own unique language. The same goes for land measurement units. Since land is a state subject, each state may have its own set of local area measurement units, apart from the generally accepted area measurement units (such as sq ft or sq metre, etc.). In north India, for example, bigha is among the most common land measurement units.

What is bigha?

Bigha is a traditional unit of measurement of land. It is commonly used across northern parts of India, Bangladesh and Nepal or in areas where there has been a migration from India, such as Fiji. In India, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh,  Jharkhand, Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal use bigha as a measure. However, it is interesting to note that in all these places, there is no one standard understanding of the term.

Although the usage of bigha as a unit of measurement dates back to a long time ago, the unit is still used across the country with regional variations.

See also: Bigha to acre calculator

How much is 1 bigha in Indian states

*You can also make this calculation using Housing.com’s land unit converter.

Difference between pucca and kuchha bigha

In the table provided above, you may have noticed that in Rajasthan, there exists both pucca and kuchha bigha. The two units are also used in parts of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. While pucca or pakka bigha was comparatively more used, the kuchha bigha was usually used by landlords while dealing with their tenants. Both the measurements were ‘standardised’ by early landlords and vary from place to place.

Commonly asked questions on bigha conversion into other units

*Note: Some numbers may vary depending on the local understanding of bigha.

Why does bigha vary in different states?

It was only in 1778 that the French devised standard land measurement units. Prior to that, the local land measurements were popular. Natives still prefer using the age-old and familiar concept and understanding of bigha. This is true for all other locally used units of measurement, as well.

Zone-wise understanding of bigha

Note: South India does not use bigha as a land measurement unit.

Other common area conversion factors

How to convert bigha into other units easily?

Some of us may be very well versed, when it comes to area conversion. However, even then, local area measurements may vary. Housing.com gives you a conversion tool free of cost. 

Simply click here to convert bigha into other units.

Is Bigha used for land measurement in south India?

Bigha, as you would have already noted is not used in southern India. In this part of the country, Kuncham, Guntha, Ground, Cent and Ankanam are more popularly used.

Bigha to acre conversion

Hectare to bigha conversion

Mukhya Mantri 1 Bigha Scheme

In Himachal Pradesh, the government has launched the Mukhya Mantri 1 Bigha Scheme that will empower about 1.5 lakh rural women, by providing them employment under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). Under the scheme, a woman or her family owning up to one bigha land can grow a backyard kitchen garden. The move is aimed at easing the economic impact caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. Under the 1 Bigha Scheme, beneficiaries will be trained at various methods of cultivation to ensure maximum profits. 

The 1 Bigha Scheme will help the rural women earn Rs 1 lakh per year, which includes a daily wage of Rs 198. Every 15 days, this wage will be transferred to their Aadhaar-linked bank account. Gram Rozgar Sewaks, that is the government’s task force will monitor the progress of the scheme. In Himachal Pradesh, 1 Bigha is 752.51 sq metres.

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