What Is Khatauni (Khetwani) and Why It’s Important for Land Owners
Summary
If you own agricultural land in India or plan to buy some, understanding land records is essential. One of the most important documents in rural land management is the Khatauni (also known as Khetwani in some states). It helps you prove ownership, check land use details, and apply for loans or government schemes. In this blog, we explain what is Khatauni or Khetwani, how to access it, and why it’s so important for landowners and farmers alike.
Key Takeaways
- Khatauni (or Khetwani) is a legal land document showing ownership and cultivation details
- It is issued by the state revenue department, mostly for rural and agricultural land
- Used for loans, subsidies, land disputes, and property transfers
- Can be accessed online in many states like UP, MP, Bihar, and Rajasthan
- Every landowner must check and update it regularly
Table of Contents
- What Is Khatauni or Khetwani?
- Why Is It Important for Landowners?
- What Information Does a Khatauni Include?
- Which States Use the Term Khatauni?
- How to Check Khatauni Online
- How Is It Different from Other Land Records?
- When and How Should You Update It?
- Final Thoughts
- FAQs
1. What Is Khatauni or Khetwani?
Khatauni (or Khetwani) is a government document that lists all land owned or cultivated by a family or individual in a village. It is mainly used for agricultural land and is maintained by the state revenue department.
It contains information about:
- Land ownership
- Cultivation rights
- Area and boundaries
- Plot or survey numbers
- Land usage and type
It serves as legal proof of who owns or farms a particular piece of land.
2. Why Is It Important for Landowners?
The Khatauni is important for several reasons:
- Ownership proof: Helps establish who legally owns the land
- Loan eligibility: Required when applying for a farm loan, home loan on land, or subsidy
- Land disputes: Used in court or panchayat disputes as legal proof
- Government schemes: Mandatory for many rural welfare or compensation schemes
- Buying/selling: Essential during property registration or transfer
3. What Information Does a Khatauni Include?
|
Field |
Description |
|
Khata Number |
Account number for a landholder or family |
|
Khasra Number |
Unique ID for individual plots of land |
|
Owner’s Name |
With father’s or husband’s name |
|
Land Type |
Agricultural, barren, irrigated, etc. |
|
Total Area |
In acres or hectares |
|
Crop Details |
What is cultivated on the land (if applicable) |
|
Mutation Status |
Whether any ownership change is pending |
It may also mention co-owners, disputes, and tax dues (if any).
4. Which States Use the Term Khatauni?
The term Khatauni is commonly used in:
- Uttar Pradesh
- Madhya Pradesh
- Bihar
- Rajasthan
- Uttarakhand
- Chhattisgarh
In other states, similar records exist under different names like Patta, Jamabandi, or RTC.
5. How to Check Khatauni Online
Most states now offer digital access to land records, including Khatauni.
Example: Uttar Pradesh
- Visit: http://upbhulekh.gov.in
- Click on “Khatauni (Record of Rights)”
- Select District, Tehsil, and Village
- Enter Khasra number, Khata number, or owner’s name
- View or download your Khatauni copy
Note: The online copy is for reference. For legal use, get a certified copy from the Tehsil office.
6. How Is It Different from Other Land Records?
|
Record Type |
Purpose |
|
Khatauni |
Lists land owned/cultivated by a person or family in a village |
|
Khasra |
Refers to individual plot/survey details |
|
Jamabandi |
Record of land rights, used in states like Punjab and Haryana |
|
Patta |
Land ownership certificate (used in Tamil Nadu, AP, etc.) |
|
RTC (Pahani) |
Used in Karnataka for agricultural land |
Khatauni usually works together with Khasra to give a complete view of rural land ownership and use.
7. When and How Should You Update It?
Your Khatauni should be updated whenever there is:
- Sale or purchase of land
- Inheritance after the death of a family member
- Land division among family members
- Court settlement or legal orders
To update:
- Submit an application at the local Tehsil office
- Provide relevant documents (sale deed, will, Aadhaar, etc.)
- Mutation (Dakhil-Kharij) will be processed and reflected in the next Khatauni update
Delays in updating can cause legal problems later — especially during resale or loan applications.
8. Final Thoughts
Understanding what is Khatauni or Khetwani is crucial if you own or are planning to buy rural land in India. It’s not just a record — it’s your legal proof of ownership and farming rights. Whether you're applying for a loan, claiming inheritance, or resolving a land dispute, this document plays a central role. Make sure your details are up to date, and always keep a copy for your records. If needed, reach out to your local revenue officer or village accountant for help.
9. FAQs
Q1. What is Khatauni?
Khatauni is a land record that shows the agricultural land owned or cultivated by a person or family in a village.
Q2. Is Khatauni and Khasra the same?
No. Khasra refers to individual plot details. Khatauni lists the overall landholding of a person or family.
Q3. Can I get Khatauni online?
Yes. Many states like UP, MP, and Bihar offer online access to Khatauni records.
Q4. Is Khatauni proof of ownership?
Yes. It’s considered a valid ownership document in land-related processes like loans, disputes, and registration.
Q5. What is mutation in land records?
Mutation is the process of updating ownership in land records after sale, inheritance, or partition.
Q6. How often should I update Khatauni?
Whenever there is a change in ownership or usage. It’s good to check once a year for accuracy.
Q7. What is the difference between Khatauni and Patta?
Khatauni is used in northern states for rural land records. Patta is a land ownership certificate used in southern states.