Urbanisation and rural change in West Bengal
Dasgupta, B.
Economic and Political Weekly 22(7/8): 276-287, 337-344
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0012-9976 Document Number: 347003
The particular pattern of urbanization in West Bengal (the overwhelming role of the main city, the wide gap between it and the other major cities in the region in terms of population size, economic activities and cultural influence, and the predominantly rural character of the other areas in the region) is distinct from the alternative pattern of decentralized urbanization in Punjab, Haryana, Kerala and other states. This contrasting pattern of urbanization is considered attributable to the differing land tenure systems, British colonial economic policies, and economic development course followed in the two types of area during the post-independence period. Section I deals with definitional and conceptual patterns relating to various types of urban areas, and presents a historical account of the evolution of the present pattern of urbanization. Section II analyses the present pattern of urbanization and introduces some case studies. Section III deals with the impact of urbanization on rural areas and Section IV considers the impact of urbanization on urban areas. Section V puts forward a particular strategy for urbanization which emphasizes decentralized urban growth with a rural focus.