Human Settlement means cluster of dwellings | Class 12 Geography Notes
By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 4 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.
Evolution of Towns in India
Towns in India have evolved since prehistoric times. During the Indus Valley Civilization, towns like Harappa and Mohanjodaro existed. The evolution continued with fluctuations until the arrival of Europeans in the eighteenth century. Based on their historical development, Indian towns are classified as ancient, medieval, and modern. Ancient towns, such as Varanasi, Prayag (Prayagraj), Pataliputra (Patna), and Madurai, developed primarily as religious and cultural centers with histories spanning over 2000 years. Medieval towns, about 100 in number, often developed as headquarters of principalities and kingdoms, many built on the ruins of ancient towns. Examples include Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Agra, and Nagpur. Modern towns were developed by the British and other Europeans, initially as trading ports like Surat, Daman, Goa, and Pondicherry, and later as administrative centers and industrial towns such as Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Jamshedpur, Chandigarh, Bhubaneswar, and Gandhinagar. Post-independence, many new towns have emerged as administrative and industrial centers or satellite towns around metropolitan cities.
📊 Diagram: Figure 2.4 shows a modern cityscape illustrating urban infrastructure and buildings typical of modern towns.
🧪 Activity: No specific activity in this section.
🔗 Connection: Leads to trends of urbanisation in India and classification of towns by function.
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.
Ready to ace this chapter?
Get the full Human Settlement means cluster of dwellings chapter — interactive notes, diagrams, worked solutions, polls and a free practice quiz — in the ConceptScroll app.
Study smarter with ConceptScroll
Daily NCERT-aligned reels, AI doubt solving and chapter quizzes — all free.
Start learning freeContinue reading
- computer hardware and the application software are referred as the Database | Class 12 Geography Notes
Clear NCERT-aligned notes on computer hardware and the application software are referred as the Database for Class 12 Geography.
- computer hardware and the application software are referred as the Database | Class 12 Geography Notes
Clear NCERT-aligned notes on computer hardware and the application software are referred as the Database for Class 12 Geography.
- computer hardware and the application software are referred as the Database | Class 12 Geography Notes
Clear NCERT-aligned notes on computer hardware and the application software are referred as the Database for Class 12 Geography.