Biswa calculator

Biswa definition

Biswa is a traditional unit of area measurement predominantly used in northern India, particularly in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. It serves as a subunit of the Bigha, another customary land measurement unit, with its value varying across different regions.

Biswa - Historical context

The use of Biswa as a land measurement unit dates back to historical periods when standardized systems were absent. Local communities developed their own measurement units, leading to regional variations. Despite the official adoption of the metric system in India, traditional units like Biswa continue to be used, especially in rural areas, due to deep-rooted customs and familiarity.

Regional variations

• Uttar Pradesh - Biswa is commonly used alongside Bigha for land measurement. The value of a Biswa can vary within the state. In some regions, one Biswa is equivalent to 1,361.25 square feet. The number of Biswa constituting a Bigha can range from 5 to 20, depending on the specific locality.
• Punjab and Haryana - Biswa is also used as a land measurement unit. The value of Biswa can vary between these states. In some areas, one Biswa is equivalent to 150 square yards or 125.4 square meters.
• Himachal Pradesh - Biswa is a common unit for measuring land, particularly in rural regions. The exact measurement of a Biswa can vary, but it is often used in conjunction with Bigha for land transactions and agricultural planning.

Biswa is primarily used for measuring land areas, especially in agricultural and rural settings. It facilitates local land transactions, agricultural planning, and real estate dealings. Despite the prevalence of the metric system, the use of Biswa persists due to its deep-rooted presence in regional land measurement practices.