Biswa

Biswa is a term that can refer to several distinct concepts, primarily found in South Asian cultures. In its most common usage, Biswa refers to a unit of land measurement, particularly prevalent in North India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. The exact value of a Biswa can vary significantly by region, but it is generally a fraction of a Bigha, another common land measurement. For instance, in some areas, 20 Biswa equal one Bigha. The purpose of the Biswa was to provide a more granular measurement for agricultural land and property transactions.

Beyond its use as a land unit, Biswa can also be a given name. It is often a male given name in parts of India and Nepal. The etymology of the name is sometimes linked to Sanskrit words implying prosperity or auspiciousness.

In a more abstract sense, the term Biswa has sometimes been used to denote the world or the universe in certain cultural or philosophical contexts, though this usage is less common than its application to land measurement or as a personal name. The historical and geographical context is crucial for understanding which meaning of Biswa is intended.