Question

Give a brief account of population growth of four largest cities of India since 1951 till 2001.

Answer 1

India’s four largest metropolitan cities Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai, witnessed significant population growth between 1951 and 2001 due to factors such as rapid urbanisation, industrialisation, rural-to-urban migration, and expansion of city limits.

1. Mumbai: Mumbai’s population grew from approximately 2.85 million in 1951 to around 16.37 million in 2001. As the financial capital of India, it attracted migrants seeking employment in industries, trade, and services, resulting in high rates of urban expansion.
2. Delhi: Delhi showed the fastest growth among the four cities, increasing from 2.07 million in 1951 to about 12.79 million in 2001. As the national capital, it experienced massive rural migration, growth in administration and services, and the rise of satellite towns such as Noida and Gurgaon.
3. Kolkata: The population of Kolkata rose from 4.06 million in 1951 to around 13.22 million in 2001. An early centre of British administration and trade, its growth slowed somewhat due to industrial stagnation and infrastructure limitations, but suburban expansion kept numbers rising.
4. Chennai: Chennai’s population increased from 1.25 million in 1951 to about 6.42 million in 2001. As a major port city and hub for automobile, textile, and IT industries, Chennai attracted both skilled and unskilled labour, ensuring steady urban growth.