In the modern era, land ownership verification and accessing land records have become essential for various legal, financial, and administrative purposes. Whether you are buying property, applying for a loan, or dealing with a land dispute, having accurate and up-to-date land records can help in making informed decisions. In India, each state and union territory (UT) has its own land records management system, which includes documents such as Record of Rights (RoR), Naksha (land map), and other land-related data.

The digitalization of land records in India has been a significant step toward ensuring transparency, reducing corruption, and making land information more accessible to the public. This article provides a detailed guide on how to check land records across all states and UTs, access RoR, Naksha, and other land-related records, and download these documents online. We will also discuss the benefits of accessing land records online. Here we discuss every state land records , you have to just select your state.

RoR, Naksha, Khasra and Jamabandi

Before we dive into the process of accessing and downloading land records, let’s first understand the key terms that are commonly used when discussing land records in India:

1. Record of Rights (RoR)

The Record of Rights (RoR) is an essential document that serves as proof of land ownership. It provides details such as:

• Name of the landowner
• Landholding type (agricultural, non-agricultural)
• Land survey number
• Area of the land
• Ownership and title of the land

The RoR is a vital document for establishing legal ownership and is used in land transactions, inheritance matters, and legal disputes.

2. Naksha

Naksha refers to the land survey map or plan, showing the geographical boundaries, layout, and other survey details of a specific plot of land. It provides a graphical representation of the land’s location, boundaries, and physical features. Naksha plays an important role in resolving boundary disputes and understanding land use.

3. Land Records

Land records encompass all the official documents that describe land ownership, title, rights, and other information related to a specific piece of land. These include RoR, land survey records, land tax receipts, and land mutation records. Each state or UT maintains its own land records database.

4. Khasra (Land Survey Number/Plot Number)

Khasra is a term used for the land survey number that uniquely identifies a plot of land within a specific survey region. The Khasra number serves as a reference in land records for agricultural or non-agricultural lands and is often used to track ownership, land use, and tax-related matters. It is often associated with Khasra Parcha or a record that contains details about land ownership.

5. Jamabandi (Land Record of Rights)

Jamabandi is a record of rights that is prepared and maintained in revenue records, primarily in rural areas. It is a comprehensive document that lists important details about land ownership, land use, and land holdings, including the names of the landowners, their rights over the land, and other critical information. The Jamabandi is usually compiled every year or periodically, and it is updated during the land revenue settlement process.

Why is it Important to Access Land Records?

Accessing land records online offers numerous advantages, such as:

1. Transparency: Digital land records ensure transparency in property transactions and land ownership.
2. Quick Access: Citizens no longer need to visit government offices in person to access land records.
3. Legal Certainty: Land records provide legal proof of ownership, which can be crucial in resolving disputes.
4. Preventing Fraud: Online land records reduce the risk of fraudulent land transactions.
5. Efficiency: The online system allows for faster processing of land-related requests, mutations, and verifications.

How to Check Land Records in Different States and UTs

The government of India has launched several online portals that allow citizens to check and download land records, RoR, Naksha, and other land-related documents. These portals provide access to land records for each state and union territory.

Let’s go through the general process of accessing land records across different states and UTs in India.

1. State/UT-wise Land Records Portals

Each state and UT in India has its own portal for accessing land records. The names of these portals vary depending on the region. Below are some popular state-wise portals that offer access to land records:

• Kerala : Kerala Bhulekh eREKHA
• Telangana : Telanagana Bhulekh DHARANI
• Andhra Pradesh: AP Land Records
• Karnataka: Bhoomi Karnataka
• Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu Land Records
• Maharashtra: Mahabhulekh
• Uttar Pradesh: UP Bhulekh
• Rajasthan: Apna Khata
• Haryana: Haryana Land Records
• Punjab: Punjab Land Records
• West Bengal: Banglar Bhumi
• Gujarat: Land Records Gujarat
• Bihar: Bihar Bhulekh

For each of these portals, the basic steps to check and download land records are similar. We will now explain the general process in more detail.

2. Steps to Check and Download Land Records (General Process)

While the exact names of the portals and the procedures may vary from state to state, the general steps to access and download land records, RoR, and Naksha remain largely the same.

Step 1: Visit the Official State Portal

Visit the official land records portal for the state or UT where the land is located. For example, if you are checking land records in Maharashtra, go to the Mahabhulekh portal. If you are in Uttar Pradesh, visit UP Bhulekh. Just type in google your state name followed by Bhulekh and go to official website of your bhulekh.

Step 2: Select the Required Document Type

Once you are on the portal, choose the type of document you wish to access. You can typically choose from:

• Record of Rights (RoR)
• Naksha (Land Map)
• Mutation Details
• Land Ownership Certificate

Step 3: Enter Required Details

To access land records, you will need to enter specific details, such as:

• District Name
• Taluka/Mouza Name
• Village Name
• Survey Number
• Khasra Number (if applicable)
• Patta Number (if applicable)

These details can typically be found in old land documents or can be obtained from the local revenue office.

Step 4: View the Land Records

After entering the necessary information, click the “Search” or “Submit” button. The portal will retrieve the relevant land record details for you to view on your screen. The information displayed will generally include:

• Landowner Name
• Survey Number
• Land Area
• Mutation Status
• Property Boundaries
• Land Classification

Step 5: Download the Land Records

Once the land record is displayed on the screen, you will have the option to download it. Typically, land records are available in PDF format for easy download and printing. Click the “Download” or “Print” option to save the document to your device.

Step 6: Print the Record (Optional)

If you require a physical copy of the land record, you can print the downloaded document directly from your computer or mobile device.

3. Additional Services Offered by State Land Records Portals

In addition to viewing and downloading land records, most state portals offer other services such as:

• Mutation of Land: This process records changes in land ownership due to sales, transfers, inheritance, etc.
• Khasra/Survey Map: You can download the detailed land survey maps for specific land parcels.
• Land Title Verification: Verify the ownership and title details of a property.
• Online Application for Land Records: Some portals allow users to apply online for new land records or for corrections to existing records.

Benefits of Accessing Land Records Online

The digitization of land records and the establishment of online portals have brought numerous benefits to citizens and authorities alike. Let’s look at the key advantages of accessing land records online:

1. Transparency

Online access to land records ensures transparency in land ownership and transactions. The public can independently verify land records, reducing the chances of fraudulent activities related to land deals.

2. Efficiency

Accessing land records online eliminates the need for manual visits to government offices. The process is faster, more convenient, and eliminates the need for intermediaries.

3. Legal Certainty

Land records, particularly RoR, serve as legal proof of ownership. Having digital access to these documents ensures that you have authentic proof of land title and ownership, which can be used in legal disputes or transactions.

4. Cost-Effective

Previously, acquiring land records involved physical visits to government offices, which incurred both time and money. The online process saves both time and travel costs for citizens.

5. Access to Historical Data

Online portals allow citizens to access not only current land records but also historical data, such as the history of ownership and mutations. This information is vital for resolving disputes or understanding the historical context of land transactions.

6. Prevention of Land Disputes

Access to accurate and up-to-date land records reduces the chances of conflicts regarding land ownership. If any discrepancies are found, they can be addressed through the online platform, preventing future legal battles.

7. Better Governance and Planning

The digitization of land records allows governments to maintain accurate, updated, and accessible records. This improves governance and helps in land management, urban planning, and rural development initiatives.

8. No Need for Middlemen

The online system removes the need for middlemen or agents, which reduces the potential for exploitation and corruption. Citizens can access land records directly, ensuring a more streamlined and trustworthy process.

Understanding Naksha, Khasra, and Jamabandi: Key Terms in Land Records

When dealing with land records in India, three important terms often come up: Naksha, Khasra, and Jamabandi. These terms are deeply rooted in the land revenue system, which is maintained by the state governments for the administration and regulation of land ownership, land use, and land-related disputes. Let’s break down each term and explain its significance in the land record system:

1. Naksha (Land Map/Survey Map)

Naksha refers to a land survey map or plan that shows the detailed geographical boundaries and location of a specific piece of land. It is a visual representation of the land’s layout, boundaries, features, and sometimes ownership details.

Key Characteristics:

• Graphical Representation: Naksha is a graphical depiction of land, highlighting its boundaries, surrounding features (such as roads, rivers, or other landmarks), and the size of the land plot.
• Survey Number: Naksha is often linked to a survey number or a plot number that corresponds to the specific piece of land. Each plot is identified by a unique survey number in the state’s revenue records.
• Purpose: It helps in establishing the physical extent and layout of land, which is crucial in resolving boundary disputes, verifying ownership, and for land management purposes.
• Role in Land Transactions: When buying or selling land, a Naksha can be used to verify the exact location and boundaries of the land involved in the transaction.

Example:

In rural and urban areas, Naksha may display details of land parcels (agricultural or non-agricultural land) and indicate whether the land is encroached upon, under cultivation, or used for any specific purpose.

2. Khasra (Land Survey Number/Plot Number)

Key Characteristics:

• Unique Identification: Every plot of land is assigned a specific Khasra number, which helps uniquely identify the land within a particular region or village. It serves as an official reference for that plot.
• Land Ownership Information: Khasra records contain important details such as the name of the landowner, the area of the land, its use (e.g., agricultural or non-agricultural), and the nature of the land (whether it’s irrigated, barren, etc.).
• Details in Khasra Record: The Khasra record may also include data related to the plot’s previous owners and its mutation status (if ownership has changed over time).
• Land Revenue: Khasra records are linked with land revenue assessments. The amount of tax assessed is typically based on the type and size of land under a specific Khasra number.

Example:

In agricultural areas, a Khasra number could help identify the specific plot of land being farmed, detailing whether it is growing a particular crop or if it is left fallow. For non-agricultural land, Khasra numbers are used to track urban plots.

3. Jamabandi (Land Record of Rights)

Key Characteristics:

• Record of Land Rights: Jamabandi is an official record that provides details about the rights of landowners over a specific plot of land. It records land ownership, landholding size, and the rights associated with the land (such as tenancy or lease).
• Land Tenure System: In rural areas, Jamabandi also records details about the land’s tenancy system, including the names of the tenants, their respective rights, and the terms under which they use the land.
• Revenue and Tax Details: Jamabandi often includes information on land revenue assessments, taxes to be paid, and the amount of land revenue collected.
• Annual or Periodic Updates: In some regions, the Jamabandi document is updated annually (in Punjab, Haryana, and some other states) as part of the settlement process, where new owners, land use changes, or other factors are incorporated into the document.

Example:

In rural India, when there is a change in land ownership (due to inheritance, sale, or other means), the Jamabandi is updated to reflect the new owner’s details. For example, if a person inherits a piece of land, the Jamabandi will show the new owner’s name and relevant rights.

How Naksha, Khasra, and Jamabandi Interact in Land Records

These three components are closely related and collectively serve as the foundation for the land records system in India.

1. Naksha (Land Map) helps visually identify the exact location and boundaries of a specific piece of land.
2. Khasra Number is a unique identifier for a plot of land within a revenue district, allowing it to be referenced in official documents.
3. Jamabandi ties the land information together, providing the full record of ownership, rights, and tax information related to the land, and it is updated periodically to reflect any changes in ownership, use, or rights.

Practical Use of Naksha, Khasra, and Jamabandi

For Property Transactions:

When buying or selling property, the seller and buyer must reference the Khasra (survey number) to verify the exact land being transacted. The Naksha is often used to visually confirm the boundaries and location of the land. Additionally, the Jamabandi is used to verify ownership details and ensure that the title is clear.

For Resolving Disputes:

In case of boundary disputes or unclear ownership, Naksha (land maps) provide a clear demarcation of property boundaries. Khasra numbers help identify the plot and check the historical details of ownership and use. The Jamabandi ensures the legitimacy of ownership and identifies any previous owners.

For Land Revenue and Taxation:

The Jamabandi plays a central role in the revenue and taxation system by providing details of the tax assessments, land holdings, and payments due. The Khasra number helps track the land’s tax history, while the Naksha allows authorities to visually assess land size for taxation purposes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, accessing land records online is a game-changer in terms of transparency, efficiency, and convenience. Thanks to the digitalization efforts of the Indian government, citizens can now easily check, download, and verify land records, RoR, Naksha, and other related documents from the comfort of their homes. The availability of these records online ensures that land transactions are smoother, legal issues are resolved more effectively, and land disputes are minimized.

By following the steps outlined above, you can access land records for any state or UT in India, ensuring that you have the necessary information to make informed decisions about land-related matters. The benefits of online land records are far-reaching and contribute to a more transparent and efficient system of land management in India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Record of Rights (RoR)?

• Answer: The Record of Rights (RoR) is an official document that provides legal evidence of ownership and title of land. It includes details like the name of the landowner, landholding type, survey number, area of land, and any rights associated with the land.

2. What is Naksha in land records?

• Answer: Naksha is a land survey map that shows the boundaries, location, and layout of a particular piece of land. It helps in identifying the exact geographical location and is used for resolving boundary disputes.

3. How can I check land records online?

• Answer: You can check land records online by visiting the official land records portal for your state or Union Territory. Once on the portal, you need to enter details such as district, taluka/mouza, village, and survey number to access the relevant land record, RoR, or Naksha.

4. Do I need to visit government offices to check land records?

• Answer: No, you don’t need to visit government offices. With the digitalization of land records in India, you can easily access and download land records online through the respective state or UT portals.

5. Is it free to access land records online?

• Answer: In most states, checking land records online is free. However, some states might charge a minimal fee for services such as downloading documents or accessing certain additional details. Always check the portal for any applicable fees.

6. What information is required to check land records online?

• Answer: Typically, to check land records online, you will need the following details:
  • District and Taluka/Mouza name
  • Survey Number or Khasra Number
  • Patta Number (if applicable)
  • Owner’s name or other land-related identifiers, depending on the portal

7. Can I download land records and RoR?

• Answer: Yes, once you access the relevant land record (RoR, Naksha, etc.), you can download it in PDF format. This allows you to print or store it digitally for future reference.

8. What is the mutation of land, and how can I check it?

• Answer: Mutation refers to the process of updating land records when ownership changes. This could happen due to transactions like sale, inheritance, or transfer. You can check mutation status online through the respective land records portal by entering the required details.

9. What should I do if I find incorrect information in the land record?

• Answer: If you find incorrect information in the land record, you can apply for corrections through the online portal, or by visiting the local revenue office. Each state has a procedure for applying for amendments in land records, including a review of documents and a possible verification process.

10. How can I check the land record if I don’t have the survey number or Patta number?

• Answer: If you don’t have the survey number or Patta number, you can visit the local revenue office in the area where the land is located to obtain these details. Alternatively, you can use the owner’s name or village details in some portals to search for land records.

11. Can I access land records for any state in India?

• Answer: Yes, you can access land records for any state or Union Territory in India through the respective official portals. Each state has a dedicated online portal for accessing land-related documents.

12. What documents do I need to access land records?

• Answer: You typically need the following details to access land records:
  • Patta Number, Survey Number, or Khasra Number
  • District, Taluka, and Mouza Name
  • Owner’s Name (for verification purposes)
  • Village Name and Plot Details

13. What is the validity of land records obtained online?

• Answer: The land records obtained online are as valid as the original records maintained by the revenue authorities. They are considered official proof of land ownership and title, and they can be used for legal purposes, transactions, and disputes.

14. Can I use online land records for buying and selling property?

• Answer: Yes, you can use online land records as part of the documentation when buying or selling property. However, you may need to obtain additional documents like the sale deed, mutation certificate, and No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the concerned authorities for a complete transaction.

15. What if the online portal is not working or showing an error?

• Answer: If the online portal is not working or showing errors, you can try clearing your browser cache, using a different browser, or checking your internet connection. If the problem persists, contact the technical support or helpline provided by the state land records portal for assistance.

16. How often are land records updated online?

• Answer: Land records are typically updated on a regular basis by the respective state or UT authorities. The frequency of updates depends on the state and the type of record. Some states update records daily, while others may update them weekly or monthly.

17. Can I access land records for rural areas?

• Answer: Yes, land records for rural areas can also be accessed online. Most land record portals cover both urban and rural areas, and you can search for records using district, taluka, and village details.

18. What is the process to check land records for agricultural land?

• Answer: The process to check land records for agricultural land is the same as checking for any other land. You will need to enter the survey number, district, and other relevant details on the online portal to access the agricultural land’s RoR and other details.

19. How can I check land ownership details if the land is in joint ownership?

• Answer: If the land is under joint ownership, the land records will reflect all the joint owners’ names. When checking the RoR online, the details of all the owners should be listed. If any discrepancies exist, you can request a review or correction of the land records.

20. How do I know which state’s land records portal to use?

• Answer: If you know the state or UT where the land is located, you can easily visit that state’s specific land records portal. A list of official portals for each state and UT can be found on government websites or by doing a simple web search using the state name and “land records portal.”

21. Can I check land records for urban properties?

• Answer: Yes, urban land records are also available through online portals for most states. You can access details for properties located in cities, towns, or urban areas using the same steps outlined for rural land records.

22. Is there a way to track the status of my application for land record correction or mutation online?

• Answer: Yes, many states provide an option to track the status of your application for land record correction or mutation online. You can check the application status by entering the application number or reference ID provided during the submission.