Question

Give an account of the rural settlement types in India.

Hint:

Settlement patterns reflect geography and socio-economic factors.

Answer 1

1. Clustered Settlements: Closely built houses, common in fertile plains and valleys, compact layout, socially cohesive.
2. Semi-clustered Settlements: Partially dispersed, often formed by clustered settlement expansion or uneven terrain, found in transitional zones.
3. Dispersed Settlements: Isolated houses scattered over a large area, common in forested, hilly, or arid regions, less accessible, rely on subsistence farming.
4. Linear Settlements: Develop along roads, rivers, or canals to facilitate transport and trade, common in coastal areas, river valleys, and areas with infrastructure.