Land transactions can be a labyrinth of confusing terms, especially when checking records online. In this simplified guide, Genuine Plots unravels key terms, empowering you to make informed decisions and ensuring smooth navigation through the world of land transactions. Let's embark on this journey together, where understanding land records becomes as easy as a walk in the park.
Jamabandi
Jamabandi serves as the Records of Rights (RoR), providing intricate details about land ownership, including information about owners and cultivators.
Nakal
Nakal is a document that encapsulates all essential information about a piece of land, covering ownership patterns, revenues, and other pertinent details.
Khata
Khata is a crucial revenue document that assesses a property's size, location, and build-up area. It also pinpoints the individual responsible for property tax payments.
Khasra or DAG Number
Often referred to as DAG number, Khasra is a unique identifier assigned to a land parcel in a village. In urban areas, it corresponds to the survey number.
Khewat
Khewat is a number assigned to landowners who collectively own a piece of land. Think of it as an account number granted to various owners of the same parcel.
Mauza
Mauza is the term used to refer to a village, a significant geographical unit in land records.
Bainama
Bainama is synonymous with a sale deed, providing a comprehensive transaction record.
Khatauni
Khatauni acts as a comprehensive account book, detailing all landholdings and their respective landowners.
Patta
Patta is a record of rights, a document that unveils the name of the legal owner of a piece of land property.
Khudkasht
This document signifies that the land is cultivated by its owners, not external cultivators.
Embarking on a land transaction journey can be daunting, but armed with these simplified explanations, you'll be better equipped to decode the complexities of land records.
Understanding land type is very important before buying, selling, or developing land. In Maharashtra, the government has clear rules that tell whether land is agricultural or non-agricultural (NA). Here is a simple guide.
1. Check the 7/12 Extract (Satbara Utara)
This is the most important document for land in Maharashtra.
It shows land ownership, type of land, and current use.
If it says “agricultural land”, then the land is legally for farming.
Always check the latest or updated 7/12 extract.
2. Check the Zoning in the Development Plan / Regional Plan
Every area has a Development Plan (DP) or Regional Plan (RP).
This plan shows which land is for agriculture, housing, commercial use, green zone, etc.
If the zoning allows non-agricultural use, the land can be converted or may already be NA.
3. Look for NA Permission (Non-Agricultural Permission)
As per the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, land used for non-agricultural purposes MUST have NA permission.
NA permission is given by the Collector of the district.
If the land does not have NA permission, it is still agricultural by default.
Some lands with approved building permissions automatically get an NA certificate under the newer rules.
4. Check the Land Tax / Assessment Records
Agricultural land has an agricultural tax.
Once land becomes NA, the government charges non-agricultural assessment (N.A. tax).
If the NA tax is charged, the land is officially non-agricultural.
5. Observe the Current Use of the Land
If crops are grown, it's probably agricultural.
The construction of homes, businesses, or factories may result in NA or improper use of the land.
Verify the documents thoroughly if the land has been plotted and sold for development.
6. Check Conversion Documents
To change land from agricultural to NA, the owner must apply to the Collector's office.
After approval, the Collector issues a Conversion Order.
A fee or premium must be paid for conversion.
Ask the owner for a copy of the conversion order if they claim the land is NA.
7. Meet Local Authorities or Experts
Visit the Talathi, Tehsildar, or Collector’s office to confirm the land status.
Town Planning departments can confirm zoning and permitted land use.
A property lawyer or consultant can help check all documents properly.
8. Stay Updated with New Government Rules
Maharashtra has recently made some processes easier.
In certain cases, separate NA permission is not required if building permission is already approved.
Check the latest state circulars before purchasing land.
Summary (Quick Checklist)
✔ Check 7/12 extract
✔ Check zoning in DP/RP
✔ Verify if NA permission exists
✔ Check tax records for NA assessment
✔ Ask for conversion order
✔ Visit local government offices
✔ Consult a property expert
✔ Stay updated with the latest rules
A Guide to the 5 Categories of Agricultural Land in India
Understanding the types of agricultural land in India helps farmers, investors, and land buyers make better decisions. India’s land is broadly divided into five main categories based on how it is used.
1. Arable Land
This is land used for growing regular seasonal crops such as wheat, rice, pulses, and vegetables.
It is also called the net sown area — land that is ploughed and cultivated every year.
This is the most important land type for India’s food production.
2. Horticultural Land
Used for fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, and herbal plants.
Often provides higher income than regular crops because fruit and vegetable farming can be more profitable.
Commonly used for orchards (mango, banana, pomegranate), flower farms, and vegetable fields.
3. Pasture / Grazing Land
Land where cattle, sheep, and goats graze naturally.
Essential for the dairy and livestock industry.
The land may not be suitable for crop farming, but it supports rural livelihoods through animals.
4. Plantation Land
Used for long-term commercial crops like tea, coffee, rubber, coconut, and sugarcane.
These crops grow for many years and require large, well-managed farmland.
Plantation land is usually found in regions with a suitable climate and good rainfall.
5. Fallow Land
Land that is left uncultivated for some time so that the soil can rest and regain fertility.
Farmers leave land fallow to restore nutrients and improve future crop yield.
Some land may be fallow for one year, and some may remain unused for a longer period.
Why These Categories Matter
Helps farmers choose the right type of farming.
Helps buyers understand what kind of land they are purchasing.
Helps the government plan water usage, irrigation projects, and agricultural policies.
Ensures sustainable use of land and better crop management.
The Information contained on Genuine Plots is for general information purposes only. The information related to ownership of properties are also based on material and/or information gathered from public sources mentioned. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, please consider this information as indicative only. Genuine Plots suggest to verify any information before making any decision.