Embedded Files
5 Largest Cities
5 Largest Cities
The five largest cities in India from largest to smallest are Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh.
Largest City with Population
Largest City with Population
The largest city in India is Uttar Pradesh with a population of about 241.27 million.
Rank Size Rule
Rank Size Rule
Using the Rank size rule the second biggest would be half the size of the largest, and the third largest would be one third of the size, and so on.
Bihar: 120.64 million
Maharashtra: 80.42 million
West Bengal: 60.32 million
Madhya Pradesh: 48.25 million
Actual Populations
Actual Populations
Bihar: 131.04 million
Maharashtra: 128.66 million
West Bengal: 100.20 million
Madhya Pradesh: 88.99 million
Evaluate
Evaluate
The prediction of the rank-size rule provided is a relatively close estimation of the second-largest city but gets progressively farther from what was estimated. The actual populations of the cities were much higher than the rank-size rule estimated with the fifth, fourth, and third largest cities almost being double the expected population.
A primate city is disproportionately larger and performs major functions for a region. In India, no other city is disproportionately larger and more economically, politically, and culturally dominant than any other city in the country. The largest city in India is Uttar Pradesh, with the capital being New Delhi, and the economic center of India is Mumbai. This shows how one city isn't more influential than another.
The Megacities in India are Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata. It's important to note there are multiple metacities in India, with every city in the top five cities in India being metacities, meaning their population is over 20 million. These meta cities include Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh.
Urban Population
Urban Population
The Urban population of India in 2023 was 36.36%.
India - Urban Population (% Of Total) - 2025 Data 2026 Forecast 1960-2023 Historical
Water and Sanitation Access
Water and Sanitation Access
95% of India's urban population has access to improved water sources
78.39% of India's urban population has access to improved sanitation facilities
Model of Urban Land Use
Model of Urban Land Use
Multiple Nuclei Model
Instead of a single CBD, cities have multiple centers of activity. These can include commercial districts, industrial areas, and residential neighborhoods. Indian cities often have several commercial hubs. For example, Mumbai has multiple business districts like Nariman Point, Bandra-Kurla Complex, and Lower Parel. For a deeper look at multiple nuclei cities in India, Delhi serves as good example. In Delhi, for example, there are industrial areas in Okhla, Mayapuri, and Naraina. Industrial activities are spread across different parts of the city. Delhi has several secondary business districts such as Nehru Place, Bhikaji Cama Place, and Rajendra Place. Delhi's residential areas are spread across various nuclei. For example, South Delhi includes upscale neighborhoods like Vasant Vihar and Hauz Khas, while East Delhi has middle-class residential areas like Preet Vihar and Mayur Vihar. Delhi has multiple transportation hubs, including the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi Railway Station, and the Inter-State Bus Terminals (ISBTs) at Kashmere Gate, Anand Vihar, and Sarai Kale Khan. Different areas of the city are specialized for specific functions, such as shopping centers, business parks, and residential zones.
Multiple Nuclei Model - Definition, Examples, Pros & Cons (2025)
Rate of Urbanization
Rate of Urbanization
The average rate of urbanization in India is about 2.19% per year.
This image shows the slums and shanty towns present in India's city, Bihar.
This image also shows a slum in India.
Map of Urban Areas
Map of Urban Areas
https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.HmCvHaW6elwALsoTt7rA2wHaIc?rs=1&pid=ImgDetMain
The map to the left gives a detailed image of the urban areas in India.
Analyze Capital
Analyze Capital
Site: New Delhi, the capital city of India, is located in the northern part of the country. It is part of the larger National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. Situated on the western bank of the Yamuna River, New Delhi has a relatively flat terrain. The city is part of the Indo-Gangetic Plain, which is known for its fertile soil.
Situation: As the capital of India, New Delhi is the center of government activities. New Delhi is a cultural hub, home to numerous historical landmarks, museums, and cultural institutions. Notable sites include India Gate, Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, and the Lotus Temple. The city is a major economic center, with a diverse economy that includes government services, finance, tourism, and technology.
Functional Zonation
One functional zonation area in New Delhi is the commercial zone. One of the largest financial, commercial, and business centers in New Delhi. Chandni Chowk: A historic market area known for its bustling trade and diverse shops.
A second function zonation area is the residential zone. This area is in South Delhi and Dwarka. South Delhi is an Upscale residential areas such as Vasant Vihar, Hauz Khas, and Greater Kailash. Dwarka is A well-planned residential suburb with modern amenities.
A final functional zonation in New Delhi is the Industrial zone. The Okhla Industrial Area is an important industrial and commercial zone in South Delhi. The Mayapuri Industrial Area is known for its heavy industry and recycling businesses.
Page updated
Report abuse