India is the second most populous country in the world. It accounts for around 17.71% of the total world population. It is next only to China which is the most populous country across the globe. Together, their population is around 36% of the world’s population. Third in line is the super power, United States.
Top 15 Largest Cities In India
So, India encompasses many highly populous cities. We bring to you a list of the top 15 largest cities of India by population. The list below is as per the census taken back in 2011. The census was taken by the Indian government.
Here is a look.
Mumbai
Mumbai lies in the Indian state of Maharashtra. As per the population census of 2011, it is the most populous city in India. The city’s total population is 12.5 million as per this census.
However, as per United Nations, Mumbai stepped down to the second position as of 2018 with a population of 19.98 million. Besides, the coastal city is also the sixth most populous metropolitan area across globe.
Delhi
Delhi is officially called the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT). It is spread across an area of 1,484 square kilometer. As per the 2011 census, it is the second largest Indian city by population.
The city’s total population is 11 million as per the census. However, the population of the entire NCT is around 16.8 million. The population of NCR was estimated to be around 26 million as of 2016.
Bangalore
Bangalore is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. It is officially called Bengaluru. As per the 2011 census, the city’s population amounts to 8.43 million. It is the fifth most populous urban agglomeration in India.
Bangalore is the IT hub of the country. Thus, it offers a host of opportunities in this sector. Consequently, several young IT professionals shift to this city each year in search of work opportunities.
Hyderabad
Hyderabad is the capital city of Indian state of Telangana. It is also the largest city in the state. As per the 2011 census, the city has a total population of 6.80 million.
The total population in Hyderabad Metropolitan Region is around 9.7 million. As a result, it became the sixth most populous urban agglomeration in the country. It has a pool of talented as well as hard working individuals. Thus, it is a big contributor to the gross domestic product in India.
Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad is the largest city in the Indian state of Gujarat. As per 2011 census, the city’s total population is 5.57 million. It is a major industrial hub of the country. Its cotton industry is particularly strong.
Besides, it has booming construction and housing industries. Thus, the city attracts many young and aspiring professionals. This is one of the main reasons for the rise in its population.
Chennai
Chennai lies in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The city has a total population of 4.68 million. These figures are as per the 2011 census. So, it ranks sixth in terms of population. It is also the fourth most populous urban agglomeration in the country.
It is also called the health capital of India. The tourism industry here is especially strong. It is particularly popular among the health tourists. The place attracts both foreign as well as Indian tourists.
Kolkata
Kolkatta lies in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is its capital. As per the 2011 census, the city has a total population of 4.48 million. Its total suburb population amounts to a whopping 14.1 million.
As a result, it has become the third most populous metropolitan area in the country. It is the major cultural and educational hub of East India. Moreover, it is the commercial centre of this part of the country.
The city houses many big as well as small businesses. It also has quite a few good educational institutes. Consequently, it offers numerous job and study opportunities. As a result, several young professionals shift base to the city each year. Many students also relocate to Kolkata to pursue courses.
Surat
Surat lies in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is close to the Arabian Sea. As per the 2011 census, the city has a total population of 4.46 million. It boasts of a well established diamond cutting and polishing industry. The city is growing at a rapid speed. However, with its growth and development its population is also rising at a fast pace.
Pune
Pune lies in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the second largest city in the state. As per the 2011 census, Pune has a total population of 3.13 million.
The population of the total metropolitan region here amounts to around 7.27 million. This is as per the 2011 census. Pune houses many corporate houses. Thus, it offers good job opportunities to educate and skilled professionals.
Jaipur
Jaipur lies in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is popularly called the Pink City. As per the 2011 census, the city has a total population of 3.1 million. The city came into being in the year 1727. It was Rajput ruler, Jai Singh II who founded it. The city boasts of beautiful forts as well as skilled artisans.
Lucknow
Lucknow is the capital of Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. As per the 2011 census, the city has a total population of 2.81 million. It is popularly known as the city of Nawabs. Lucknow is the cultural hub of North India. As per a recent survey, it was also named the happiest city in the country.
Kanpur
Kanpur lies in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The city has a total population of 2.76 million as per the 2011 census. Kanpur has a flourishing leather as well as textile industries. Consequently, many skilled labourers and asrtisans shift here in search of work.
Nagpur
Nagpur lies in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the winter capital of the state. As per the 2011 census, the city has a total population of 2.40 million. It is the commercial centre of Maharashtra. Thus, the city offers good work opportunities.
Indore
Indore lies in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is the most populous city in the state. As per the 2011 census, Madhya Pradesh has a total population of 1.96 million. It is the education hub of the state. As a result, many students shift to this city to pursue various courses.
Thane
Thane lies in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is surrounded by as many as 35 lakes. As a result, it is often referred to as the City of Lakes. As per the 2011 census, the city has a total population of 1.84 million.
So, these are the largest cities of India by population. Most of these are growing at a good pace. However, the government must take stringent steps to control its population.
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