Growth of Small Towns in Gujarat K B Suri This study examines the growth pattern of small towns in Gujarat during three Census decades with the focus on the 1951-61 decade. The study seeks to (a) compare the growth of small towns with that of towns and cities of other sizes; and, (b) explain variations in the growth of small towns during 1951-61 in terms of (i) initial population of the town; (ii) economic structure of the town; (iiii) location of the town; and (iv) influence of the nearest city centre. Of the factors considered, the initial population base and the economic structure of the town and of the nearest city were found to be of little importance. The Ideational factors, on the other hand, appeared to exert an important influence on the growth of small towns.
