The growth of large cities in India 1961–1971

The general characteristics and the growth 1961–1971 of class 1 cities (those with more than 100,000 population in 1971) in India are examined. An unexpected correlation shows that the larger cities are more specialized, and growing faster. A factor analysis reduces the original variables to apparently significant factors, but these fail to classify the individual cities convincingly. An alternative simple classification of cities in terms of growth rates and degree of specialization shows strong regional components, dividing India into an emerging system of dynamic interdependent cities, and areas of stagnation and lack of specialization. The only counter to this pattern appears to be cities which are the subject of heavy government investment. Some speculative thoughts are offered on the effects of such investment in backward regions.