Urbanization is an index of transformation from traditional rural economies to modern industrial one. It is a long term process. This paper endeavors to illuminate on the process of urbanization in India over a century with emphasis on level, tempo of urbanization and urban morphology using Indian Census data during 1901-2001. It will try to trace urban problems and related policy issues.

At the moment, India is among the countries of low level of urbanization. Number of urban agglomeration/town has grown from 1827 in 1901 to 5161 in 2001. Number of population residing in urban areas has increased from 2.58 Crores in 1901 to 28.53 Crores in 2001. Only 28% of population was living in urban areas as per 2001 census.

The study related to urbanization and demographic characteristics of India is carried out. This paper provides data on population of India and its growth during 1901 – 2011.