- Understand the concept of human settlements and their characteristics.
- Differentiate between rural and urban settlements based on economic activities and social structures.
- Identify various types of rural and urban settlements, including their functions and examples.
- Explain the significance of transport and communication networks in the relationship between urban and rural areas.
- Discuss the features and factors influencing different types of rural settlements.
- Analyze the dynamic nature of cities and their evolution into multifunctional urban areas.
Human Settlements
Learning Objectives
TopChapter Core concepts:
Revision Notes & Summary
TopHuman Settlements
Definition
- Human Settlement means a cluster of dwellings of any type or size where human beings live.
- Involves grouping of people and apportioning of territory as their resource base.
Types of Settlements
- Rural Settlements:
- Small and sparsely spaced, often called villages.
- Specialize in agriculture or other primary activities.
- Urban Settlements:
- Larger and closely spaced.
- Specialize in secondary and tertiary activities.
Differences Between Rural and Urban Settlements
- Economic Basis:
- Rural: Derive life support from land-based primary economic activities.
- Urban: Depend on manufacturing of finished goods and a variety of services.
- Social Structure:
- Rural: Intimate social relations, less mobility.
- Urban: Complex and fast-paced life, formal social relations.
Types of Urban Settlements
- Commercial Towns: Specializing in trade and commerce (e.g., Kolkata, Saharanpur).
- Mining Towns: Developed in mineral-rich areas (e.g., Raniganj, Jharia).
- Garrison Towns: Emerged as military bases (e.g., Ambala, Jalandhar).
- Educational Towns: Centers of education that have grown (e.g., Roorki, Varanasi).
- Religious and Cultural Towns: Prominent due to religious significance (e.g., Varanasi, Amritsar).
- Tourist Towns: Popular tourist destinations (e.g., Nainital, Shimla).
Smart Cities Mission
- Objective: Promote cities with core infrastructure, clean environment, and decent quality of life.
- Focus on sustainable and inclusive development, applying smart solutions to infrastructure.