ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the case of Delhi and highlights developments in urban forms and processes with a view to assessing the adequacy of local definitions and categorization of human settlements. The scale of the development schemes and the rapidity of transformation of this peripheral zone of Delhi have seen its rural components quickly shrink. The chapter examines the dynamics of the metropolitan area of Delhi from two interrelated perspectives. One is the evolving urban form, with emphasis on the processes of 'periurbanization' and 'rurbanization'. The other is population redistribution within the metropolitan area. The chapter analyzes the demographic and spatial dimensions of Delhi's metropolitan dynamics in terms of population growth, distribution and spatial expansion. It also examines the factors contributing to urban deconcentration and outward expansion. The chapter draws some implications regarding categorizing population for further demographic analysis, defining relevant limits for measuring urban growth and delimiting zones for the purpose of town and country planning.
