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of-its-kind comparative account of cities within a state Based on primary and secondary data Provides benchmarks for future research With the rapid pace of urbanization in India, adequate and reliable data is required to understand the complex forces shaping the cities and to implement effective urban policies. However, there is a glaring dearth of information and data in this area. This book attempts to fill this vacuum. Given the importance of cities in Karnataka's economic growth and development, the book undertakes a review of 15 major cities in the state. It develops indicators and benchmarks for six thematic areas that capture the dynamics and potential of urban areas: (i) history and governance; (ii) demographics; (iii) economic dimensions; (iv) infrastructure and public services; (v) resources; and (vi) quality of life. Providing a comparison of the cities along these dimensions, the book underlines the importance of sharing best practices and fostering competition among cities for infrastructure, public services, and investment. It also includes factsheets on each of the 15 cities, which provide a snapshot of key socio-economic dimensions. This book is an important starting point for researchers and policymakers to start thinking analytically and systematically for better cities, public services, and financing of services. About The Author Samuel Paul, Founder, Public Affairs Centre (PAC), Bangalore, Kala Seetharam Sridhar, Head, Public Policy Research Group, PAC, A. Venugopala Reddy, Senior Programme Officer, PAC, and Pavan Srinath, Programme Officer, PAC Table Of Contens List of Tables and Figures Acknowledgements; Preface List of Abbreviations 1. Introduction 2. Comparison of Cities 3. Bangalore 4. Mysore 5. Hubli-Dharwad 6. Belgaum 7. Gulbarga 8. Mangalore 9. Davangere 10. Bellary 11. Shimoga 12. Bijapur 13. Raichur 14. Bidar 15. Udupi 16. Chitradurga 17. Chikmagalur Bibliography Index