Question

Divide Indian towns into major types on the basis of their functions.

Hint:

When classifying towns by function, think about the primary reason for the town's existence or fame. Is it a capital? A factory hub? A military base? A pilgrimage site? Answering this will help you place it in the correct category.

Answer 1

Indian towns and cities can be classified into several major types based on their dominant or specialized functions. While most towns perform multiple functions, one function usually stands out and defines the city's character. The major functional types are:


Administrative Towns and Cities: These are centers of governance and administration. They serve as the capitals of the country, states, or as district headquarters.
Examples: New Delhi (national capital), Chandigarh (capital of Punjab and Haryana), Gandhinagar (capital of Gujarat), Bhopal, Chennai.

Industrial Towns: These towns owe their origin and growth to industrial development. The economy is dominated by manufacturing and processing industries.
Examples: Jamshedpur (iron and steel), Mumbai (textiles, finance), Bhilai (steel), Modinagar (various industries), Surat (textiles, diamonds).

Transport Cities: These may be major ports that are hubs of import and export, or they can be large inland hubs of rail and road transport.
Examples: Kandla, Kozhikode, Visakhapatnam (port cities); Mughalsarai (now Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Nagar), Itarsi (inland transport hubs).

Commercial Towns: These are centers of trade and commerce. They often have major markets, wholesale trade, and financial institutions.
Examples: Kolkata, Saharanpur, Satna (historical trading centers).

Mining Towns: These towns have developed in areas rich in mineral resources and their economy is centered around mining and quarrying activities.
Examples: Jharia (coal), Raniganj (coal), Digboi (oil), Khetri (copper).

Garrison (Cantonment) Towns: These towns originated as military bases during the British period and continue to be centers for the armed forces.
Examples: Ambala, Jalandhar, Mhow, Babina, Udhampur.

Educational Towns: Some towns become prominent centers of education, with a high concentration of universities, colleges, and schools.
Examples: Roorkee, Varanasi, Pilani, Allahabad (Prayagraj), Kota.

Religious and Cultural Towns: These places are famous for their religious or cultural significance, attracting pilgrims and devotees from all over.
Examples: Varanasi, Amritsar, Tirupati, Puri, Ajmer, Hardwar.

Tourist Towns: These towns are known for their scenic beauty, historical monuments, or recreational facilities, making tourism their primary economic activity.
Examples: Shimla, Nainital, Ooty (Udhagamandalam), Jaisalmer, Goa.