Urbanisation in India since Independence has been a gradual but transformative process, reflecting changes in economic development, industrialisation, migration, governance, and demographic trends. At the time of Independence in 1947, India was predominantly rural, with only about 17% of the population living in urban areas. Over the decades, urbanisation has accelerated, though at a slower pace than in many developing countries. According to recent Census estimates, over one-third of India's population now resides in urban areas, and cities have become the centres of economic growth, innovation, education, and employment. One major trend has been the steady increase in the number and size of towns and cities. Metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune have expanded rapidly due to industrialisation, service-sector growth, and infrastructure development. The emergence of million-plus cities and megacities has become a defining feature of Indian urbanisation. These cities have attracted large numbers of migrants seeking better employment opportunities and improved living standards. Another important pattern is the shift from industrial to service-led urban growth. During the early decades after Independence, urbanisation was driven mainly by manufacturing industries and public sector enterprises. Since the economic liberalisation of 1991, information technology, finance, communication, education, healthcare, and other service industries have become major engines of urban expansion. Cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Gurugram, and Pune have emerged as global centres of technology and business services. Urbanisation has also been characterised by the growth of peri-urban areas and urban agglomerations.