Question

Can one imagine the presence of only one-function town? Why do the cities become multi-functional?

Answer 1

Towns and cities are generally classified on the basis of the functions they perform. No town performs a single function, rather they are classified on the basis of the dominant function they perform. Even specialized cities, as they grow into metropolises become multifunctional wherein industry, business, administration, transport, etc. become important. The functions get so intertwined that the city can not be categorized in a particular functional class. Due to the varying needs of human beings, all the people of a town cannot be engaged in a single activity. Even if a town is a garrison town, basic trade activities must be carried out to provide the residents with the articles of day-to-day need, food items, etc. To support the dominant activity of the town, ancillary activities start emerging.

Mumbai is a transport town due to the presence of port in Mumbai but it is also the hub of international trade in India, hence is trade town, Also it is the commercial capital of the country due to varying commercial activities, which are a result of the presence of large capital in the city because of it being a trading town and a port city. Therefore the presence of a dominant of a single function also attracts people to the town, which in turn creates conditions conducive for the development of other functions hence, towns become multifunctional. The functions performed in a town are extremely dynamic, new functions keep’ on adding, and old functions getting linked with each other. Therefore, in modern economies, no town can be a single functioned town.