Human Settlements
1. Definition of Human Settlements
Human settlement refers to a cluster of dwellings where human beings live, often
consisting of houses and other structures. These settlements have a specific territory
that serves as their economic base. Settlements can vary in size, ranging from hamlets
to metropolitan cities. The nature of a settlement affects its economic, social, and
technological characteristics.
2. Types of Settlements
Settlements are broadly classified into rural and urban types based on size, population
density, and economic activities:
- Rural Settlements: These depend on land-based primary activities like agriculture.
- Urban Settlements: These specialize in secondary and tertiary activities such as
manufacturing and services.
The fundamental differences between these two types include their economic basis
and social structures:
- Rural settlements are more intimate and less mobile.
- Urban settlements are complex, with formal relationships and a faster way of life.
3. Rural Settlements and Their Types
Rural settlements in India are influenced by factors such as terrain, climate, water
availability, and social structures. They can be categorized into four types:
i. Clustered Settlements
- A closely built-up area where the houses are tightly packed together, often in fertile
regions such as the alluvial plains of Northern India and the northeastern states.
- Example: Villages in Bundelkhand (Madhya Pradesh) and Nagaland follow this
pattern for security reasons or water conservation in Rajasthan.
ii. Semi-Clustered Settlements
- These settlements occur when a group from a larger village moves away, usually
due to social or land ownership factors. These settlements are common in the Gujarat
plains and parts of Rajasthan.
iii. Hamleted Settlements
- Large villages may split into smaller hamlets that bear a common name but are
physically separated, often due to ethnic or social reasons.
- Example: Found in regions like Chhattisgarh, lower Ganga plain, and the
Himalayan valleys, the hamlets are known by names such as panna, para, palli, and
dhani.
iv. Dispersed Settlements
- These are isolated huts scattered in remote regions, such as jungles or small hills.
They appear in fragmented terrains.
- Example: Dispersed settlements are found in Meghalaya, Uttarakhand, Himachal
Pradesh, and Kerala.
4. Urban Settlements
Urban settlements are compact and larger, specializing in various non-agricultural
activities. These cities provide goods and services to rural hinterlands through
transport and communication networks.
5. Evolution of Towns in India
The history of Indian towns can be classified into three periods:
i. Ancient Towns
- Towns with more than 2000 years of history, such as Varanasi, Prayag (Allahabad),
and Patna, which developed as religious or cultural centers.
ii. Medieval Towns
- Towns established as the seats of principalities and kingdoms, often with forts.
- Example: Delhi, Hyderabad, Agra, Lucknow, and Jaipur developed during this
period.
iii. Modern Towns
- Cities developed during British colonization, often around trading ports or industrial
centers.
- Examples include Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, which were built in the British
style.
6. Functional Classification of Towns
Based on their dominant functions, Indian towns are classified into several types:
i. Administrative Towns
- Cities that serve as administrative headquarters, such as Chandigarh, New Delhi,
and Jaipur.
ii. Industrial Towns
- Towns focused on manufacturing and industry.
- Example: Jamshedpur, Bhilai, and Coimbatore.
iii. Transport Cities
- Ports and hubs that specialize in trade and transport.
- Example: Kandla, Vishakhapatnam, and Agra.
iv. Commercial Towns
- These towns are major centers of trade and commerce.
- Example: Kolkata, Saharanpur, and Satna.
v. Mining Towns
- Cities that have grown around mining areas.
- Example: Raniganj, Jharia, and Singrauli.
vi. Garrisson Cantonment Towns
- Established as military outposts.
- Example: Ambala, Jalandhar, and Babina.
vii. Religious and Cultural Towns
- These towns grew due to their spiritual and cultural significance.
- Example: Varanasi, Puri, Ajmer, and Tirupat.
viii. Tourist Towns
- Famous for tourism, these towns attract visitors for their natural beauty or heritage.
- Example: Nainital, Jodhpur, Shimla, and Jaisalmer.
7. Urbanization in India
The level of urbanization in India is measured by the percentage of the urban
population. In 2011, 31.16% of India’s population lived in urban areas. The growth of
urbanization is driven by the expansion of existing cities and the creation of new
towns, although the rate of growth has slowed in recent decades.
8. Smart Cities Mission
This initiative aims to promote urban areas that provide sustainable environments and
high-quality living standards by using smart solutions for infrastructure and services.
It focuses on replicable models that can lead other aspiring cities toward similar
development.
These notes provide a comprehensive understanding of Human Settlements and their
various classifications, with specific examples from India.
Human Settlements: Classification and History
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1. Definition of Human Settlements
Human settlements are clusters of dwellings where humans live. These include
houses and other structures, often arranged around an economic base. Settlements
range from small, sparsely spaced villages to large, closely spaced metropolitan
cities. The size, economic activities, and social structure of these settlements vary
based on their type.
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2. Types of Settlements in India
- Rural Settlements:
- Clustered Settlements: Compact areas with a distinct living zone, common in
fertile alluvial plains (e.g., parts of Bundelkhand and Nagaland).
- Semi-Clustered Settlements: Fragmented settlements formed by the segregation of
a compact village, found in the Gujarat plains and Rajasthan.
- Hamleted Settlements: Villages divided into physically separated units (e.g.,
middle Ganga plain and Chhattisgarh).
- Dispersed Settlements: Isolated settlements in remote areas, found in regions like
Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh, and Kerala【5†source】.
- Urban Settlements:
- Ancient Towns: Towns that date back over 2,000 years, such as Varanasi and
Pataliputra.
- Medieval Towns: Cities from the medieval period, often fort towns, including
Delhi, Hyderabad, and Jaipur.
- Modern Towns: Developed during the British period and after, such as Mumbai,
Kolkata, and Chennai【5†source】.
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3. Classification of Settlements Based on Functions
- Administrative Towns: Serve as administrative centers, like Chandigarh and New
Delhi.
- Industrial Towns: Focus on industries, such as Jamshedpur and Bhilai.
- Transport Cities: Major transportation hubs, like Vishakhapatnam and Kandla.
- Commercial Towns: Centers for trade, such as Kolkata and Saharanpur.
- Mining Towns: Located in mineral-rich areas, like Raniganj and Jharia.
- Garrison Towns: Military centers, including Ambala and Jalandhar【5†source】.
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4. History of Human Settlements in India
- Prehistoric Settlements: Early towns like Harappa and Mohenjodaro emerged during
the Indus Valley Civilization.
- Ancient Period: Towns developed as religious and cultural centers, e.g., Varanasi
and Prayag.
- Medieval Period: Cities such as Delhi and Agra became centers of kingdoms and
princely states.
- Modern Period: The British established coastal towns (e.g., Surat, Goa) and later
administrative and industrial centers (e.g., Mumbai, Chennai)【5†source】.
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This classification helps understand the diversity of settlements in India, shaped by
historical, economic, and geographical factors.
