A Comprehensive Guide About Land Measurement in North India
Punjab, a region known for its rich agricultural history, has a unique system for measuring land that blends traditional units with modern metrics. For anyone dealing with property in Punjab, especially in rural areas, understanding these local land measurement systems is essential. Whether you are buying land, selling property or simply curious about the agricultural heritage of Punjab, this blog will walk you through the various land measurement units commonly used in the state.
Traditional Land Measurement Units in Punjab
Punjab’s traditional land measurement units are still widely used, especially in rural areas. While metric units like hectares and acres are becoming more common in urban settings, many people in Punjab continue to refer to local units, particularly when talking about agricultural land. Here are the most commonly used units.
- Killa – The most commonly used unit for measuring large tracts of agricultural land, a Killa is equivalent to 1 acre or 4840 square yards. Historically, a Killa is the amount of land that a pair of bullocks could plough in a day.
- Bigha and Biswa – Another traditional system involves Bighas and Biswas. Typically, one Bigha is equal to 20 Biswa. However, the actual area covered by a Bigha can vary from region to region within Punjab, which can sometimes cause confusion. On average, one Bigha is roughly equivalent to 2500 square yards.
- Marla – A Marla is a smaller unit commonly used in measuring residential plots. One Marla equals approximately 272.25 square feet. Typically, 160 marlas make up one Killa, though the actual conversion can vary slightly by location.
- Karam – A less common unit, Karam is used to measure smaller dimensions of land, especially when talking about boundary lines. One Karam is approximately 5.5 feet.
Conversation Table for Quick Reference
| Traditional Unit | Equivalent Metric Value |
| 1 Killa | 1 Acre or 43,560 sq ft |
| 1 Bigha | 2,500 sq yds |
| 1 Marla | 272.25 sq ft |
| 1 Karam | 5.5 ft |
| 1 Acre | 43,560 sq ft or 4,840 sq yds |
| 1 Hectare | 2.47 Acres |
Importance of Understanding Land Measurement in Punjab
Accurate land measurement in Punjab is crucial, not only for buying or selling properties but also for legal clarity and avoiding disputes. In Punjab, land ownership has always been a significant factor in social and economic standing, particularly in rural areas. Therefore, anyone involved in land transactions needs to be well-versed in both traditional and modern units of measurement.
Conclusion
Understanding land measurement in Punjab requires a mix of both traditional knowledge and modern standardization. Whether you are a farmer working with Acres and Bighas or a real estate developer dealing with Square Feet and Hectares, knowing the local land measurement units can help streamline your transactions and avoid misunderstandings.
Whether you are planning to invest in Punjab’s vibrant real estate market or simply want to understand how land is measured in this agriculturally rich state, being familiar with these units of land measurement in Punjab will certainly prove helpful.
