Major Indian Cities by Population, Region, and Exam Relevance
Namaste and welcome, young explorers! Have you ever wondered just how many cities and towns there are in our vast country, India? From the snowy hills of Shimla to the bustling streets of Mumbai, Indian cities and towns are super important for exams, travel, and learning about our people! Let's journey together to discover the List of Cities and Towns in India — you’re about to become an urban expert!
What Makes a Place a City or a Town?
Why Are Some Places Called Cities and Others Towns?
Not every big place is a city, and not every small place is a town! In India, a city usually has a population of more than 1 lakh (100,000) and has its own local government like a Municipal Corporation. A town is a place with at least 5,000 people, mostly non-farmers, and closely built houses. The Indian Census also counts “census towns”, which may not have their own municipality, but meet special rules, like job types and how close the buildings are. That means India’s city list is always growing!
How Many Cities and Towns Are in India?
According to the last big count in 2011, India has about 7,933 cities and towns. Some are giant, like Delhi or Chennai. Others are famous for history, like Bodh Gaya or Kanchipuram. And some, like Port Blair or Leh, are unique because of their location or weather!
Exploring India State-Wise: Cities and Towns Adventure
A Quick Look at the States and Their Famous Cities
- Uttar Pradesh has the most towns — over 900!
- Maharashtra is home to Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Pune (all big cities!).
- Tamil Nadu is full of old and new cities, like Chennai and Madurai.
- Gujarat sparkles with Ahmedabad and Surat.
- Every state, from tiny Sikkim (Gangtok) to grand West Bengal (Kolkata), has its special list.
- Some cities are in Union Territories, like Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Want even more amazing names? Explore this fun nicknames topic for Indian cities too!
Historic and Mega Cities – What’s So Special?
- Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata: These are India’s biggest “mega cities” with more than 10 million people each!
- Varanasi, Madurai, and Patna: These are some of the oldest living cities in the world!
- Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Pune: India’s IT and tech stars have grown super fast.
How Did Indian Cities and Towns Evolve?
A Short and Sweet Timeline
- Ancient Roots: Cities like Varanasi, Madurai, and Ujjain are thousands of years old!
- Medieval Marvels: Jaipur, Delhi, Lucknow, and Hyderabad were built by kings and sultans.
- Modern Growth: After independence, cities like Noida, Navi Mumbai, and Gurugram quickly grew up as business hubs.
Did You Know?
Chennai was once called Madras, and Bengaluru was Bangalore! Many cities changed names, but their stories are still told today.
Why Learn City and Town Names – Is It That Important?
Super Powers of Knowing Indian Cities!
- Exams: Questions on “Name the capital,” “India’s biggest city,” or “List metro cities” are common in CBSE, ICSE, and UPSC exams.
- History & Culture: Many cities are famous for dance, food, monuments, or freedom fighters.
- Travel: Knowing city names helps you understand travel routes and where to find fun festivals or landmarks!
Popular vs Less-Known – Should We Remember Them All?
Exams often focus on big metros, capitals, and historical towns. But sometimes, lesser-known places pop up in quizzes, so it’s good to know a few from each state!
Mumbai vs Delhi – How Do India’s Two Biggest Cities Compare?
Battle of the Megacities!
| Feature | What It Means | Fun to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | Largest city by population | Called "City of Dreams" |
| Delhi | Capital city of India | Home to India Gate & Red Fort |
Speed-Learning Table: Quick City and Town Facts
| Type | Definition | Cool Facts |
|---|---|---|
| City | Has a municipality; population > 1 lakh | Metro, big jobs, many schools |
| Town | Population > 5,000; mostly non-agri jobs | Smaller, but busy and lively! |
| Census Town | As per census, fits special growth rules | Sometimes feels like a city! |
Can You Guess? Fun Example and Practice Questions
Let’s Try This One!
Q: What is the capital city of Kerala?
A: Thiruvananthapuram!
Q: What are India’s three most populated cities?
A: Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru.
Ready for Practice? Try Answering!
- Which city is also called the Pink City?
- Name a city famous for tea gardens in Assam.
- List two “new” cities built after 1950.
- What is the capital of Mizoram?
- Can you name a city in Ladakh?
Don’t Get Mixed Up! Common City & Town Confusions
City or Town – How to Remember?
- All capitals are cities (like Bhopal for MP, Dispur for Assam).
- Some names sound similar but are far apart (like Barmer and Bareilly!).
- States and Union Territories can have cities with the same name (for example, Chandigarh is both a city and a UT).
A Friendly Wrap-up with Vedantu!
India’s list of cities and towns is full of surprises—some are ancient, others super modern. For exams, try mnemonics or simple maps for each state. And remember, Vedantu is here to help make GK learning fun and easy.
Keep exploring with flashcards, quizzes, and by checking out the cool nicknames of Indian cities. You’ll be a city champ in no time. Happy learning!
FAQs on Complete List of Cities and Towns in India: State-wise Guide
1. How many cities and towns are there in India?
India has over 7,933 urban centres (cities and towns) as per the 2011 Census. This includes:
- 404 statutory cities
- Over 7,000 towns, including census and notified towns
- 53 metropolitan cities with population over 1 million
2. What are the top 10 cities in India by population?
The top 10 most populous cities in India as per the 2011 Census are:
- Mumbai (Maharashtra)
- Delhi (Delhi)
- Bengaluru (Karnataka)
- Hyderabad (Telangana)
- Ahmedabad (Gujarat)
- Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
- Kolkata (West Bengal)
- Surat (Gujarat)
- Pune (Maharashtra)
- Jaipur (Rajasthan)
3. What is considered a city in India?
In India, a city is defined primarily as an urban area governed by a statutory urban local body (such as a municipal corporation), and usually has a population above 100,000. Key features include:
- High population density (over 400 per sq km)
- Over 75% of male workforce in non-agricultural activities
- Recognized for urban infrastructure and civic administration
4. What is the difference between a city and a town in India?
The main difference lies in population size and legal status:
- Cities: Statutory urban bodies; population usually above 100,000; better infrastructure
- Towns: Urban areas with a population above 5,000, density above 400/km², and at least 75% male workers in non-agricultural jobs; may lack municipal status
5. State-wise, which state has the highest number of cities and towns in India?
Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of cities and towns in India. Key points:
- Statutory Cities: 64
- Total Towns: 915
- Followed by Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra in number of urban units
6. What are metropolitan cities in India?
Metropolitan cities in India are urban agglomerations with a population of over 1 million. Important details:
- There are 53 metropolitan cities as per Census 2011
- Examples: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata
- These cities are major hubs for economy, infrastructure, and governance
7. How can I memorize the list of Indian cities and towns for competitive exams?
For effective memorization of Indian cities and towns:
- Use state-wise city lists
- Create flashcards or mnemonics
- Practice with mapwork and quizzes
- Focus on capitals, metros, and historic towns
- Review exam-focused tables from NCERT or Census data
8. Why is it important to know about the cities and towns of India for exams?
Cities and towns of India are asked frequently in UPSC, SSC, and CBSE exams because:
- They are key for mapwork and geography questions
- Understanding urbanization trends helps with economic and social study topics
- State capitals, metro cities, and population ranks are common in objective and descriptive exam sections
9. What are census towns in India?
Census towns in India are urban areas that meet specific Census criteria but lack municipal status. Features:
- Population of at least 5,000
- Population density of at least 400 per km²
- At least 75% male workforce engaged in non-agricultural activities
10. What are the fastest growing cities in India?
The fastest growing cities in India in recent years include:
- Gurugram (Haryana)
- Noida (UP)
- Pune (Maharashtra)
- Kochi (Kerala)
- Bengaluru (Karnataka)
11. What is the significance of Indian cities for economic and cultural development?
Indian cities play a vital role by:
- Serving as economic centres for industries, trade, and IT
- Promoting cultural diversity and heritage (e.g., Pune, Varanasi, Jaipur)
- Driving urbanization and infrastructure growth
