Human Settlement means cluster of dwellings | Class 12 Geography Notes
By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 5 min read
Human Settlement means cluster of dwellings – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of Human Settlement means cluster of dwellings from Class 12 Geography, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.
Functional Classification of Towns
Towns and cities in India perform various specialized functions beyond serving as central or nodal places. Based on their dominant or specialized functions, towns can be classified into several categories: administrative towns, industrial towns, transport cities, commercial towns, mining towns, garrison cantonment towns, educational towns, religious and cultural towns, and tourist towns. Administrative towns support government and administrative headquarters, examples include Chandigarh, New Delhi, and Jaipur. Industrial towns are centered around manufacturing activities, such as Mumbai, Jamshedpur, and Bhilai. Transport cities function as ports or transport hubs, e.g., Kandla, Cochin, and Itarsi. Commercial towns specialize in trade and commerce, like Kolkata and Saharanpur. Mining towns develop in mineral-rich areas, such as Raniganj and Jharia. Garrison cantonment towns serve military purposes, examples include Ambala and Jalandhar. Educational towns have grown around major educational institutions, such as Roorkee and Aligarh. Religious and cultural towns like Varanasi and Puri are known for their spiritual significance. Tourist towns such as Shimla and Ooty attract visitors for their natural beauty and heritage. Over time, many cities become multifunctional as their roles intertwine and expand.
📊 Diagram: Figure 2.7 (not provided) would typically illustrate various types of towns with representative images or maps showing their specialized functions.
🧪 Activity: No specific activity in this section.
🔗 Connection: Leads to exercises for reinforcing understanding of human settlements.
Frequently asked questions
1. Choose the right answers of the following from the given options. (i) Which one of the following towns is NOT located on a river bank? (a) Agra (b) Bhopal (c) Patna (d) Kolkata (ii) Which one of the following is NOT the part of the definition of a town as per the census of India? (a) Population density of 400 persons per sq km. (b) Presence of municipality, corporation, etc. (c) More than 75% of the population engaged in primary sector. (d) Population size of more than 5,000 persons. (iii) In which one of the following environments does one expect the presence of dispersed rural settlements? (a) Alluvial plains of Ganga (b) Arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan (c) Lower valleys of Himalayas (d) Forests and hills in north-east
1.(i) The correct answer is (b) Bhopal. Bhopal is not located on a river bank, unlike Agra (Yamuna), Patna (Ganga), and Kolkata (Hooghly).
(ii) The correct answer is (c) More than 75% of the population engaged in primary sector. This is NOT part of the census definition of a town. The census defines a town based on population size (more than 5,000), population density (400 persons per sq km), and presence of municipality or similar urban local body.
(iii) The correct answer is (b) Arid and sem
2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words. (i) What are garrisson towns? What is their function? (ii) What are the main factors for the location of villages in desert regions?
(i) Garrisson towns are settlements established primarily for military purposes. Their function is to house troops and serve as military bases for defense and control.
(ii) Main factors for village location in desert regions include availability of water sources (like wells or oases), proximity to trade routes, and shelter from harsh climatic conditions.
3. Answer the following questions in about 150 words. (i) Discuss the features of different types of rural settlements. What are the factors responsible for the settlement patterns in different physical environments? (ii) Can one imagine the presence of only one-function town? Why do the cities become multi-functional?
(i) Rural settlements can be classified mainly into clustered (compact), linear, and dispersed types. Clustered settlements have houses grouped together, common in fertile plains and river valleys. Linear settlements develop along roads, rivers, or canals. Dispersed settlements have scattered houses, typical in arid, hilly, or forested areas. Factors influencing these patterns include availability of water, land fertility, topography, climate, and socio-economic activities.
(ii) It is difficult
1. Choose the right answers of the following from the given options. (i) Which one of the following towns is NOT located on a river bank? (a) Agra (b) Bhopal (c) Patna (d) Kolkata (ii) Which one of the following is NOT the part of the definition of a town as per the census of India? (a) Population density of 400 persons per sq km. (b) Presence of municipality, corporation, etc. (c) More than 75% of the population engaged in primary sector. (d) Population size of more than 5,000 persons. (iii) In which one of the following environments does one expect the presence of dispersed rural settlements? (a) Alluvial plains of Ganga (b) Arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan (c) Lower valleys of Himalayas (d) Forests and hills in north-east
(i) Bhopal is NOT located on a river bank. Agra is on Yamuna, Patna on Ganges, Kolkata on Hooghly.
(ii) (c) More than 75% of the population engaged in primary sector is NOT part of the census definition of a town. Towns usually have more population engaged in secondary and tertiary sectors.
(iii) (b) Arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan have dispersed rural settlements due to scarcity of water and sparse population. Other options have clustered or nucleated settlements.
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