Chapter 2: Human Settlements

Geography - India People and Economy • Class 12

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Chapter Analysis

Intermediate11 pages • English

Quick Summary

Chapter 2 of the NCERT textbook on Geography for Class 12 explores the concept of human settlements, discussing the distinctions between rural and urban settlements, their functions, and patterns. It covers various settlement types, such as clustered, semi-clustered, hamleted, and dispersed settlements, and highlights their features and distribution in India. The chapter also delves into the historical evolution and functional classification of towns, emphasizing the role of urbanization in economic and social development.

Key Topics

  • Types of rural settlements
  • Differences between rural and urban settlements
  • Evolution of towns in India
  • Functional classification of towns
  • Urbanization and its impact
  • Role of transport and communication
  • Social and cultural influences on settlements
  • Patterns of settlement distribution

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the concepts of rural and urban settlements.
  • Identify the characteristics and types of human settlements.
  • Analyze the factors influencing settlement patterns.
  • Explore the evolution of towns and urbanization in India.
  • Evaluate the functional classification of towns.
  • Recognize the socio-economic impact of settlements.

Questions in Chapter

Which one of the following towns is NOT located on a river bank?

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Which one of the following is NOT the part of the definition of a town as per the census of India?

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In which one of the following environments does one expect the presence of dispersed rural settlements?

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What are garrisson towns? What is their function?

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What are the main factors for the location of villages in desert regions?

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Discuss the features of different types of rural settlements. What are the factors responsible for the settlement patterns in different physical environments?

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Can one imagine the presence of only one-function town? Why do the cities become multi-functional?

Page 20

Additional Practice Questions

Explain the factors that contribute to the development of clustered settlements.

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Answer: Clustered settlements develop due to factors such as fertile alluvial plains, security needs, and socio-cultural factors that favor tight-knit communities. Necessary resources like water also urge communities to form compact settlements in regions where resource utilization needs to be maximized.

What role do transport and communication networks play in linking urban and rural settlements?

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Answer: Transport and communication networks are crucial for the exchange of goods, services, and information between urban and rural areas. They facilitate economic activities, enhance access to services, and strengthen social relations by connecting rural producers to urban markets.

Discuss the impact of urbanization on rural settlements.

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Answer: Urbanization often leads to migration of people from rural to urban areas, impacting the demographic and economic profiles of rural settlements. It may lead to rural depopulation, an increased influx of technology and investments, and changes in local cultures and economies.

Identify the characteristics that differentiate hamleted settlements from semi-clustered settlements.

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Answer: Hamleted settlements are organized into distinct units scattered over an area but retain a common identity, often due to social or ethnic divides. In contrast, semi-clustered settlements emerge from clustering tendencies in restricted areas due to societal composition or resource allocation.

Evaluate the influence of cultural and ethnic factors on the pattern of rural settlements in India.

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Answer: Cultural and ethnic factors, such as caste and religion, significantly influence the spatial organization and social structure of rural settlements in India. These factors dictate the division of living spaces, occupation, and community interactions, leading to unique patterns like hamleted settlements.