INTRODUCTION
This module focuses on the growth of urbanization. It deals with the concept of urbanization, difference between urbanization and urbanism, level and trend of urbanization in India , causes of urbanization, relationship between urbanization and development, and future of urbanization in India
DEFINITION OF URBAN AREAS
There is no universal definition of urban areas. Different countries define urban localities in terms of different factors such as size and density of population, amenities considered to be commonly available in urban areas, major economic activities of population, etc. Also, not all those countries which define urban areas in terms of the same factors use the same threshold values for distinguishing urban localities from rural localities. For example, among those countries which define urban areas in terms of minimum size of population, some countries define an area with a minimum population of 5,000 as urban while many countries define smaller places also as urban areas (say areas with a population of 2,000). This makes the comparison between levels of urbanization between different countries as somewhat problematic.
Box 7.1 presents the census definition of urban areas that was used in Census of India, 2001. The box also defines urban agglomerations and cities. The definition shows that size is one major factor in defining urban areas but this is not the only factor. Density of population, being a seat of local administration and composition of male labour force are others. Thus, not all urban areas are large. Some urban areas have a population of less than 5,000. 
