Human Environment – Settlement (Basic)

Settlements

A settlement is defined as a community of people who have come together to live in a particular place. This place is characterized by the presence of human dwellings, which can range from a single house to a complex urban centre.

Types of Settlements

Settlements can be broadly categorized based on their size, density of population, and the pattern of housing. The primary distinction is between rural and urban settlements.

Rural Settlements

Rural settlements are typically found in the countryside and are characterized by a lower population density and a close connection to agriculture and natural resources. The economy of rural settlements is often based on primary activities such as farming, fishing, forestry, and mining.

Characteristics of Rural Settlements:

Low population density: Fewer people per unit area.
Dominance of primary economic activities: Agriculture, animal husbandry, fishing, etc.
Closer proximity to nature: Often surrounded by open fields, forests, or water bodies.
Strong community bonds: People tend to know each other well.
Simpler lifestyles: Generally less complex than urban environments.

Urban Settlements

Urban settlements, commonly known as cities and towns, are characterized by a high population density and a focus on secondary and tertiary economic activities like manufacturing, trade, commerce, administration, and services. Urban areas are hubs of economic, social, and cultural activity.

Characteristics of Urban Settlements:

High population density: Many people living in a concentrated area.
Dominance of secondary and tertiary economic activities: Industries, services, trade, etc.
Complex infrastructure: Roads, public transport, utilities, communication networks.
Diverse population: People from various backgrounds and professions.
Faster pace of life: Often associated with greater opportunities but also more competition.

Patterns of Settlements

The arrangement or layout of houses and other buildings within a settlement is referred to as the pattern of settlement. These patterns are influenced by geographical factors, historical development, and the functions of the settlement.

Types of Settlement Patterns:

Settlements can exhibit various patterns:

Linear Settlement: Houses are built in a line, often along a road, railway line, river, or coast.
Circular Settlement: Houses are arranged in a circular pattern, often around a central feature like a village green, pond, or a religious building.
Nucleated or Compact Settlement: Houses are clustered closely together. This pattern is common where land is scarce or where people need to live close for protection or to share resources.
Dispersed or Scattered Settlement: Houses are spread out over a wide area, often in hilly or rugged terrain where individual landholdings are large.

Example 1. In a mountainous region with limited flat land and a need for protection from weather and potential threats, people are more likely to form compact settlements along valleys or sheltered slopes.

Answer:

Compact settlements are preferred in such scenarios because they allow for efficient use of available space and offer a sense of community and collective security. The clustering of houses also facilitates easier access to essential services and shared resources, which is particularly beneficial in challenging geographical environments.

Factors Influencing Settlement Location

The choice of location for a settlement is influenced by a variety of factors, which can be broadly classified as:

1. Environmental Factors

Water Supply: Settlements are almost always located near a reliable source of fresh water, such as rivers, lakes, or springs. Water is essential for drinking, sanitation, agriculture, and industry.
Land: Fertile land suitable for agriculture is a major draw for settlements, especially in rural areas. Flat or gently sloping land is preferred for building and farming.
Climate: Settlements are more likely to develop in areas with a favourable climate, avoiding extreme temperatures or excessive rainfall/drought.
Relief: Plains and river valleys are generally preferred over mountainous or very rugged terrain for ease of construction, transportation, and agriculture. Coastal areas can also be important for trade and fishing.
Natural Resources: Proximity to valuable resources like minerals, forests, or fertile soil can lead to the establishment and growth of settlements.

2. Socio-Economic and Cultural Factors

Economic Opportunities: Availability of employment, trade routes, and markets influences where people choose to live.
Historical Factors: Settlements may originate around historical sites, defensive positions, or transportation nodes.
Political and Administrative Factors: The location of government centres, administrative capitals, or strategic military locations can lead to the development of settlements.
Religious or Cultural Significance: Some settlements may develop around places of religious importance or cultural heritage.

Evolution of Settlements

Settlements have evolved significantly over time, from small, scattered hamlets to large, complex metropolises. This evolution is driven by technological advancements, population growth, economic development, and changing societal needs.

From Hamlets to Cities:

Early human settlements were often small, familial groups living in temporary or semi-permanent structures. As agriculture developed, people began to settle in one place, forming villages. Over centuries, with increased agricultural surplus, specialization of labour, and advancements in trade and transportation, some villages grew into towns and eventually into large cities.

Example 2. The city of Mumbai in India is a major port city that grew rapidly due to its advantageous coastal location, facilitating international trade and commerce. It also became a hub for industries and finance, attracting a large population and developing into a megacity.

Answer:

Mumbai exemplifies how a combination of favourable environmental factors (port access) and economic opportunities (trade, industry) can lead to the significant growth and development of a settlement. Its evolution from a collection of islands to a bustling metropolis highlights the dynamic nature of settlements in response to human needs and economic forces.

Functions of Settlements

Settlements serve various functions for their inhabitants and the surrounding regions. These functions can be primary, secondary, tertiary, or even quaternary.

Examples of Functions:

Residential: Providing housing for people.
Commercial: Centres for trade, markets, and businesses.
Industrial: Locations for manufacturing and production.
Administrative: Centres of governance and public services.
Educational: Hosting schools, colleges, and universities.
Cultural: Centres for arts, entertainment, and heritage.
Transportation: Hubs for movement of goods and people (e.g., ports, airports, railway stations).

Rural-Urban Continuum

It is important to note that the distinction between rural and urban is not always sharp. There exists a rural-urban continuum, where settlements gradually change in character from purely rural to highly urban. Intermediate settlements like towns and suburbs bridge this gap.

Example 3. A suburban area located on the outskirts of a large city often displays characteristics of both rural and urban settlements. It might have lower housing density than the city centre but higher than a distant village, and its residents may commute to the city for work while still enjoying some aspects of a less crowded environment.

Answer:

Suburbs are a prime example of the rural-urban continuum. They represent a transitional zone where the influence of the city is evident in employment opportunities and services, but the settlement retains some of the spatial and social characteristics of rural life, such as more open space and potentially a different community feel compared to the dense urban core.