Biswa is a term that is primarily used in the context of geography and land measurement, particularly in the Indian subcontinent. It is derived from the Sanskrit language, where "biswa" translates to "one-twentieth of a harvest." The term is commonly used in various states of India, including West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha, as well as in parts of Bangladesh and Nepal.
In its essence, biswa refers to a unit of land measurement that varies slightly across different regions. It typically represents a measurement of a certain area of land, often used in agricultural or real estate contexts. The specific size or value of a biswa can differ from one location to another, depending on regional variations and local conventions.
However, in general, a biswa is considered to be equivalent to about 16,368 square feet or 1518.73 square meters. It is often used as a smaller subunit of a larger unit of land measurement, such as an acre or hectare.
As land plays a crucial role in the agricultural and economic systems of the Indian subcontinent, biswa serves as a practical unit for landowners, farmers, and other stakeholders to quantify and transact land resources. Its usage facilitates standardized land measurements and negotiations related to land tenure, purchase, or leasing, allowing for efficient and consistent dealings across different regions.
