Explanation: In the context of Indian geography and demography, a megacity is defined as a city with a population of more than 10 million people. This classification is based on the urban agglomeration population, which includes the city and its surrounding areas. Understanding the population dynamics of Indian cities is crucial for urban planning, resource allocation, and policy-making.
Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is the most populous city in India and one of the largest urban agglomerations in the world. It is located on the west coast of India and is a major commercial and financial hub. The population of Mumbai, including its urban agglomeration, exceeds 10 million, making it a megacity.
Calcutta, now known as Kolkata, is the third most populous city in India and is located in the eastern part of the country. It is a significant cultural and economic center. The urban agglomeration of Kolkata also has a population exceeding 10 million, qualifying it as a megacity.
Other cities in India, such as Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, are also large and significant, but they do not meet the megacity criterion of having a population over 10 million. For example, Hyderabad's population is around 7 million, and Bangalore's is around 8.5 million.
It is important to note that population figures can change over time due to factors such as migration, birth rates, and urbanization. Therefore, it is essential to refer to the latest census data for accurate population figures.
In conclusion, among the options provided, only Mumbai (Bombay) and Calcutta (Kolkata) are megacities in India with populations exceeding 10 million. This makes option C the correct answer.