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Human Settlements (India)

Types Of Rural Settlement

Rural settlements in India exhibit a diverse range of patterns, largely influenced by geographical conditions, historical development, socio-cultural factors, and economic activities. These patterns are a reflection of how communities have adapted to their local environments and societal needs.

Clustered Settlements

Clustered settlements, also known as compact or nucleated settlements, are characterized by houses built close to each other in a central area. This pattern is common in fertile plains and river valleys where land is suitable for cultivation and water is readily available. In India, these settlements are often found in the fertile river basins of the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and other major rivers, as well as in the Indo-Gangetic plain.

Reasons for Clustering:

In India, these settlements might cluster around a village common, a water body, or a central shrine.

Semi-Clustered Settlements

Semi-clustered settlements represent an intermediate form where houses are arranged in a moderately clustered pattern, but with some degree of separation. While there's a central core, dwellings may also be spread out in a less dense manner within the vicinity. This pattern can emerge when a clustered village expands, or when specific groups or castes prefer to live in separate, yet nearby, hamlets within the broader village settlement. Such patterns can be observed in various parts of India, reflecting social stratification or the diversification of land use.

Hamleted Settlements

Hamleted settlements consist of a larger village that is divided into smaller, distinct units or hamlets. These hamlets are usually separated by some physical feature, such as a stream, hill, or a field. Each hamlet may be inhabited by a particular community, caste, or occupational group. This pattern is often found in areas with varied topography or where social segregation is a factor. For instance, in hilly or plateau regions of India, a single village might comprise several hamlets spread across different slopes or valleys.

Dispersed Settlements

Dispersed settlements, also known as scattered settlements, are characterized by houses that are widely spaced from one another. There is no central cluster; instead, dwellings are spread out across the landscape, often amidst agricultural fields or on isolated plots of land. This pattern is typically found in hilly or mountainous regions, plateau areas, or areas with abundant land and limited water availability, where isolation is preferred or necessary.

Factors leading to dispersed settlements in India:

Examples can be found in parts of the Northeast India, the Western Ghats, and the Himalayan regions.


Urban Settlements

India has a long and rich history of urbanization, with its cities playing crucial roles as centres of trade, administration, culture, and religion. The nature and growth of urban settlements in India are shaped by a complex interplay of historical legacies, economic development, population dynamics, and government policies.

India's urban landscape is highly diverse, ranging from ancient historical cities like Varanasi and Madurai to modern metropolitan centres like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. The process of urbanization in India has been accelerating, especially since the mid-20th century, driven by industrialization, migration from rural areas seeking better economic opportunities, and the expansion of the service sector.

Urban settlements in India are characterized by:

The classification and functional roles of these urban settlements are further detailed in subsequent sections.


Evolution Of Towns In India

India's urban history is deep and multifaceted, with towns evolving through distinct periods, each leaving its imprint on the urban landscape and character.

Ancient Towns

Ancient towns in India date back to the Indus Valley Civilization (circa 2500-1750 BCE), with well-planned cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa exhibiting sophisticated urban planning, grid patterns, drainage systems, and standardized brick sizes. Later, during the Vedic period and the subsequent empires (like the Mauryan and Gupta empires), cities such as Pataliputra (modern Patna), Ujjain, and Mathura emerged as administrative, religious, and trade centres. These towns were often strategically located along trade routes or rivers and served as centres of political power, learning, and religious activity.

Characteristics:

Medieval Towns

During the medieval period (roughly 8th to 18th centuries CE), India witnessed the rise and prominence of many new towns and the expansion of older ones, often associated with various dynasties like the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire. Towns like Delhi, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, and later cities like Hyderabad and Jaipur, flourished as administrative capitals, military outposts, and centres of art, culture, and trade. These towns often featured grand architecture, forts, mosques, markets (like the bazaars), and were centres of royal patronage and courtly life.

Characteristics:

Modern Towns

The advent of British colonial rule brought significant changes to India's urban landscape. The colonial administration established new administrative centres and ports, such as Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, which grew rapidly due to their strategic importance for trade and governance. The development of railways and industrialization during this period led to the growth of industrial towns and commercial centres. Post-independence, India has seen a surge in urbanization, with the development of new cities, industrial hubs, and the expansion of existing metropolises, particularly driven by the IT and service sectors.

Characteristics:


Urbanisation In India

Urbanization in India is a dynamic and accelerating process. It signifies the increasing proportion of the country's population residing in urban areas and the expansion of urban centres. India is currently undergoing significant demographic and economic transitions that are fuelling this growth.

Key Aspects of Urbanisation in India:


Classification Of Towns On The Basis Of Population Size

In India, like in many other countries, towns and cities are often classified based on their population size. This classification helps in understanding the scale and hierarchy of urban settlements, which in turn influences planning, resource allocation, and policy-making. The definitions can vary slightly, but a common framework is:

Class Population Range Description
Class I 100,000 and above These are cities, often referred to as statutory towns (having a municipality, corporation, cantonment board or notified area committee).
Class II 50,000 to 99,999 Larger towns or smaller cities.
Class III 20,000 to 49,999 Medium-sized towns.
Class IV 10,000 to 19,999 Small towns.
Class V 5,000 to 9,999 Very small towns.
Class VI Less than 5,000 These are settlements that might be considered towns for administrative or functional reasons, even with very low populations.
Note: These classifications are typically used by the Census of India and can be updated. 'Statutory Towns' are those recognized by law with a defined municipal body. 'Census Towns' are those that meet urban criteria but may not have a formal municipal status.

Mega Cities: While not a formal census class, the term 'Mega City' is often used to refer to urban agglomerations with populations exceeding 10 million. India has several such mega cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.


Functional Classification Of Towns

The functional classification of towns categorizes them based on their primary economic activities and roles. In India, towns have evolved with diverse functions, reflecting its historical development, economic base, and administrative structure.

Administrative Towns And Cities

These are centres of government administration. They house the headquarters of national, state, or local governments, along with their associated offices and services. They are centres of political power and decision-making.

Industrial Towns

These towns are dominated by manufacturing and industrial activities. They are often located near raw material sources, major transportation routes, or power supplies.

Transport Cities

These towns are primarily important as centres of transport, serving as major hubs for railways, roadways, waterways, or airways. Their growth is intrinsically linked to their strategic location for movement of goods and people.

Commercial Towns

These towns serve as centres for trade, commerce, and finance. They are often market towns or have significant trading activities, including wholesale and retail businesses, banking, and stock exchanges.

Mining Towns

These towns are developed primarily around mining activities where valuable mineral resources are found and extracted. Their existence and growth are directly tied to the mining industry.

Garrisson Cantonment Towns

These towns serve as military bases or administrative centres for the armed forces. They are characterized by military installations, cantonments, and associated civilian settlements. They play a role in national defence and security.

Educational Towns

These towns are recognized for their prominent educational institutions, such as universities, colleges, and research centres. They attract students from various regions, making education a significant economic and social factor.

Religious And Cultural Towns

These towns are centres of religious significance, pilgrimage, or cultural heritage. They attract large numbers of devotees and tourists, and often feature important religious sites, historical monuments, or traditions.

Tourist Towns

These towns are developed primarily to cater to tourists, often due to their scenic beauty, historical importance, or recreational facilities. Tourism forms the main economic base of these settlements.