Indian land measurement is often confusing for many people, especially those who are not from India. One such measure is the bigha, which is widely used in India. However, if you are familiar with the American system of land measurement, you might be wondering how big a bigha really is?
The bigha is a traditional Indian unit of land measurement that has been used for centuries. It is still widely popular in many parts of the country, particularly in rural areas. However, with modernization and the need for standardization, the government of India has introduced new measures to replace the old ones. Among them is the acre, which is used in most parts of the world.
In this article, we’ll look at Indian land measurement, understand what a bigha is, and its conversion to the acre.
Understanding Indian Land Measurement: What is a Bigha?
A bigha is a unit of land measurement in India, which has its history in ancient India. Its value varied based on various local traditions and practices and was mainly used for measuring agricultural land. It is still used in modern-day India, particularly in the northern and eastern parts, but its exact value varies from place to place.
However, the law does not recognize the bigha as an official unit of land measurement. Instead, the government has introduced standard units such as hectares, acres, and square meters. These new measures have replaced the traditional measures, but they remain popular among the rural population, who are more familiar with them.
Bigha to Acre Conversion Factors by Region
As we mentioned earlier, the bigha is a traditional unit of land measurement in India that varies by region. The exact value of a bigha depends on the area and the local traditions, as well as the conversion factor used. Here are some of the common bigha to acre conversion factors in various regions of India.
Northern India: In Northern India, the bigha is usually defined as one-third of an acre or approximately 1,600 square yards. Therefore, one bigha is equivalent to one-third of an acre or 0.3333 acres.
Central India: In Central India, the bigha is usually equivalent to one acre or approximately 4,840 square yards. Therefore, one bigha is equivalent to one acre.
Eastern India: In Eastern India, the bigha is typically defined as five-eighths of an acre or approximately 28,000 square feet. Therefore, one bigha is equivalent to five-eighths of an acre or 0.625 acres.
Western India: In Western India, the bigha is usually equivalent to one-fifth of an acre or approximately 9000 square feet. Therefore, one bigha is equivalent to one-fifth of an acre or 0.2 acres.
Southern India: In Southern India, the bigha is not widely used. Instead, units such as cents or ground are used to measure land.
Bigha to Acre Conversion Formula
If you are buying land in India or looking to convert the bigha to the acre, you’ll need to understand the conversion formula. Several conversion formulas can be used to convert a bigha to an acre, depending on the area you are measuring and the units you are using. Here is a simple formula to help you convert the bigha to the acre.
1 Bigha = 0.3306 Acres
To use this formula, multiply the number of bighas by 0.3306 to get the equivalent number of acres.
For example, if you have ten bighas of land, the equivalent value in acres is calculated as follows:
10 X 0.3306 = 3.306 acres
This conversion formula is accurate for most parts of India, particularly Northern and Eastern regions, where the bigha is widely used. However, if you are looking to buy land in other regions of India, you might need to use a different conversion formula.
Conclusion
Indian area calculator can be confusing for those who are not familiar with it. The bigha is a traditional unit of land measurement that has been used for centuries in India. Although it is not recognized by the law, it remains popular in many rural parts of the country. However, with the modernization and the need for standardization, new measures such as acres, hectares, and square meters have been introduced, replacing the traditional measures.
If you are looking to buy land in India or convert the bigha to the acre, it is important to understand the conversion formula. The bigha to acre conversion formula varies by region, and you will need to use the right conversion factor depending on the area you are measuring and the local tradition. By understanding the conversion formula and conversion factor by region, you can make informed decisions when buying land in India.
