Jamabandi, Khatauni, Patta & RTC Explained

Introduction

Land ownership in India is not proved by a single document. Instead, it is reflected through revenue records maintained by the State. Among the most commonly used documents are Jamabandi, Khatauni, Patta, and RTC.

These terms often confuse landowners, buyers, and even young legal professionals. This blog explains them simply, clearly, and practically, without legal jargon.

Why Revenue Records Matter

Revenue records are primarily maintained for:

• Assessment and collection of land revenue

• Identifying the person in possession of land

• Maintaining government land records

⚠️ Important: Revenue records do not by themselves confer ownership, but they play a crucial evidentiary role in land disputes.

1. Jamabandi – The Record of Rights

What is Jamabandi?

Jamabandi is a Record of Rights (RoR) showing details of land holdings in a village. It is periodically revised (usually every 4–5 years).

What information does Jamabandi contain?

• Name of landholder

• Khasra number

• Area of land

• Nature/classification of land

• Share of each co-owner

• Land revenue payable

Why is Jamabandi important?

• Presumed to be correct unless proven otherwise

• Used in land disputes and mutation proceedings

• Required for sale, mortgage, or inheritance

👉 Common in: Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan

2. Khatauni – The Cultivator’s Record

What is Khatauni?

Khatauni is a supplementary revenue record showing details of who is cultivating the land and how land is held.

Key features

• Contains Khata number

• Shows cultivators and their shares

• Reflects possession rather than ownership

Legal value

• Helps determine actual possession

• Useful in tenancy and agricultural disputes

• Often used along with Jamabandi

👉 Common in: Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh

3. Patta – Grant or Title Document

What is a Patta?

Patta is a government-issued document granting land to an individual. It is stronger than ordinary revenue entries.

Types of Patta

• Agricultural Patta

• House-site Patta

• Assignment Patta

Why is Patta important?

• Acts as proof of lawful allotment

• Basis for mutation in revenue records

• Recognized by courts as strong evidence

👉 Common in: Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana

⚠️ Note: Even Patta can be cancelled if obtained illegally.

4. RTC (Record of Tenancy & Crops)

What is RTC?

RTC stands for Record of Tenancy and Crops. It is an annual land record.

What details does RTC show?

• Owner’s name

• Extent and survey number

• Type of cultivation

• Crops grown

• Soil type and water source

Why RTC matters

• Used for agricultural loans

• Helps in crop insurance claims

• Shows possession and cultivation

👉 Common in: Karnataka (popularly called RTC or Pahani)

Key Differences at a Glance

Do These Documents Prove Ownership?

🔴 No revenue document alone proves absolute ownership.
Ownership flows from:

• Registered sale deed

• Gift deed

• Will or inheritance

Revenue records support ownership but do not replace title deeds.

Common Mistakes People Make

❌ Assuming Jamabandi or RTC equals ownership
❌ Buying land only on revenue records
❌ Ignoring discrepancies in names or area
❌ Not updating records after sale or inheritance

Conclusion

Jamabandi, Khatauni, Patta, and RTC are essential revenue records, each serving a different purpose. Understanding their role helps prevent land disputes, fraud, and costly litigation.

Before buying or dealing with land, always:
✔ Verify title deeds
✔ Cross-check revenue records
✔ Seek legal advice