The growing number and size of cities: causes and consequences- Case of Karnataka, India

The study of urban growth by size class of towns could help us to understand the stages of urban development in a country and the differential growth rates show the extent of rural to urban migration. Although natural increase continues to contribute largely in the urban growth of India, however with acceleration in demographic transition, rural to urban migration is likely to play more prominent role in the urbanisation of the country. India is having a long tradition in counting the people which started a way back in the year 1872. But from 1901 onwards, the census was regularised for every ten years and this Himalayan work forms the data base for various research works and demographic studies. Hence the present study relies upon the census data based on which the discussions and finding were made. The fourth highly urbanised state of India, Karnataka is the study area and its urban growth was studied by understanding the changes in different size class of towns present in the state and the level of urbanisation was compared with the national scenario.The data base created in GIS environment will be useful for further spatial analysis. The present study will help to understand the degree of urbanisation and regional imbalances in Karnataka state and help the planners to plan better for sustainable future.