Growth of Urban Settlements in India | Sociology Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Urban Settlements in India

India is predominantly a rural country, with around 75% of its population residing in rural areas and relying on agriculture for their livelihood. Despite the significant rural population, it is essential to recognize the increasing number of people living in urban areas. In 1901, the urban population in India (excluding Jammu and Kashmir) was 20 million, which increased to 108 million by 1971. As of the 1991 Census, the urban population has further grown to approximately 200 million, accounting for 25% of India's total population

• India's urbanization has a long and rich history, dating back to the emergence of the Indus Valley civilization around 2500 BC, which featured advanced brick technology, geometry, agriculture, and irrigation practices. Archaeologists and historians have identified several phases of urbanization in India, such as the formation of early historical cities around 600 BC, the development of towns during ancient and medieval periods as capital regions of various kings, and the growth of coastal cities as trading centers during the British colonial era.
• India's urbanization pattern is similar to that of Latin America, with a steady increase in urban population throughout the 20th century, as recorded in the Indian census. Petrov (1985) suggests a four-phase periodization of India's urbanization: pre-feudal (from early times to 1000 AD), feudal (1000 to 1757 AD), early colonial, and late colonial (1857 to 1947). Pre-feudal towns were exchange centers for surplus agricultural produce and cultural hubs, whereas feudal towns were administrative and military centers that attracted artisans. The early colonial phase saw some deurbanization due to deindustrialization, as British factory-made goods flooded the market. By the mid-19th century, urban employment began to shift towards manufacturing, government jobs, general services, trade, and transport, and port cities emerged as the focal points of urbanization.
• Despite its extensive history of over five millennia, India remains one of the least urbanized countries in the world. In the early 20th century, India was only 10% urban, increasing to around 16% at the time of independence in 1947. By the 1991 census, 25.7% or about one-fourth of India's population was classified as urban, compared to a global urbanization rate of 45% in 1990. However, in absolute numbers, India's urban population of 217 million in 1991 was the world's second-largest after China and is projected to grow to about 320 million by 2001.
• Some critics argue that India was over-urbanized even in the 1950s, as it was much less industrialized at similar levels of urbanization compared to developed countries in the past. They also contend that the process of urbanization is costly and negatively impacts economic growth, and that the existing urban infrastructure and services, such as power, water supply, and local transport, are inadequate to meet the large and rapidly growing urban population.
• India's urban growth is described as explosive by many scholars. Its urban population increased from 62 million in 1951 to 217 million in 1991 giving an average annual growth rate of 3.2. This can be seen form Table 1.1.
• The urbanization structure in India is not skewed, as the population of its largest city, Mumbai, accounts for only 5.8% of India's total urban population. In comparison, the world average is around 14%. As for regional differences in urbanization levels among the 452 districts in India (excluding 14 districts in Jammu and Kashmir), six districts are completely urban, and ten are entirely rural. In a quarter of the total districts, the urbanization level is less than 10%, and in almost three-quarters, it is less than 25%.
• In general, South India is more urbanized than North India, with Punjab and West Bengal being exceptions as they have higher urbanization levels than the national average. India's urbanization level is lower compared to some other developing countries in Asia and Africa, such as Pakistan (32%), China (53%), Nigeria (3.5%), and Zambia (49%).
• There is significant variation in urbanization levels among the states in India. Mizoram, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Chennai, and Karnataka have high levels of urbanization above the national average, while Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, and Orissa have urbanization levels of less than 15%.
• Another notable aspect of urbanization in India is the concentration of population in larger urban centers. As per the 1991 census, Class I cities with a population of one lakh or more accounted for 65% of India's urban population.

In the context of India, the definition of an urban area has evolved over time. As per the 1981 census, a human settlement is considered urban if it meets the following criteria:

• It must be a statutory town, meaning it has a municipal corporation, municipal board, cantonment board, or is a notified town area.
• Alternatively, it must satisfy these three conditions:
  • Have a population of at least 5,000 people.
  • At least 75% of the male working population must be employed in non-agricultural (and related) activities.
  • The population density must be a minimum of 400 people per square kilometer (1,000 per square mile).

Additionally, a town with a population of one hundred thousand or more is classified as a city.

• The figure presented in table 1.2 shows that the per cent of urban population is increasing more is big cities in comparison to small cities. During the postcolonial period, the concentration of population in class I cities is increasing while the population in class V and VI cities is decreasing rapidly.
• A notable feature of urban development in India has been the rapid growth of cities exceeding 100000 people. In 1931, there were 31 such cities in undivided India, by 1951 the India Union alone had 71 such cities and 1961 the numbers increased to 109. By 1971 it rose to 142 and the number reached 215 by 1981 and by 1991 the number of such cities was about 300
  Growth of 1,00,000 plus cities India 1901-1991
• The available data indicates that metropolitan cities in India, with a population of over 10 lakhs (1 million), have experienced rapid growth in both number and size. In 1981, there were 12 metropolitan cities, which increased to 24 in 1991. Mumbai, with a population of 12.57 million, is the largest of these cities, while the smallest city has just over 1 million residents. 
• These 24 metropolitan cities make up 51% of all class I cities in India. In summary, although the percentage of urban population in India is relatively low, the actual number of urban residents is higher than the total population of several developed countries. It is estimated that by the beginning of the twenty-first century, around 320 million people will be living in urban centers in India.

Conclusion

While India remains one of the least urbanized countries globally, its urban population has grown significantly over the last century. With a rich history of urbanization dating back to the Indus Valley civilization, India has experienced rapid growth in cities with populations exceeding 100,000, particularly in metropolitan areas. Despite regional differences in urbanization levels, and concerns about the impact of urbanization on economic growth and infrastructure, the urban population in India is poised to continue expanding, with an estimated 320 million people living in urban centers by the beginning of the twenty-first century.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of Growth of Urban Settlements in India

What is the current urban population in India?

As of the 1991 Census, the urban population in India is approximately 200 million, accounting for 25% of India's total population. It is projected to grow to about 320 million by 2001.

How does India's urbanization level compare to other countries?

India's urbanization level is lower compared to some other developing countries in Asia and Africa, such as Pakistan (32%), China (53%), Nigeria (3.5%), and Zambia (49%).

Which regions in India have higher urbanization levels?

South India is generally more urbanized than North India, with Punjab and West Bengal being exceptions as they have higher urbanization levels than the national average. States like Mizoram, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Chennai, and Karnataka have high levels of urbanization above the national average.

What are the criteria for a settlement to be considered urban in India?

As per the 1981 census, a human settlement is considered urban if it is a statutory town or if it satisfies three conditions: having a population of at least 5,000 people, at least 75% of the male working population employed in non-agricultural activities, and a population density of at least 400 people per square kilometer (1,000 per square mile).

How has the number of metropolitan cities in India grown over time?

In 1981, there were 12 metropolitan cities in India, which increased to 24 in 1991. These 24 metropolitan cities make up 51% of all class I cities in India.