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Human settlement refers to the establishment of permanent or semi-permanent dwelling places by people. 

It encompasses various forms of human habitation, ranging from individual houses to large cities, and includes all the social, cultural, economic, and physical aspects associated with human communities.

Shelter is indeed one of the most fundamental needs for human beings, following food and clothing. 

It provides protection and a sense of security, allowing individuals to lead a settled life. 

When people build houses and establish a community in a specific location, it is referred to as a settlement.

What is a settlement?

A settlement can be defined as a place where people permanently reside, encompassing a collection of dwellings and related structures. The size and complexity of settlements can vary greatly, ranging from small hamlets and villages to larger towns, cities, and even megalopolises.

In its simplest form, a settlement may consist of a few houses or structures where a small group of people live together. As settlements grow in size and population, they tend to develop additional amenities and infrastructure to support the needs of the community. This can include schools, hospitals, markets, transportation systems, recreational facilities, and other essential services.

Settlements can take various forms, reflecting the cultural, historical, and geographical characteristics of the region. 

The concept of a settlement is not limited to a single dwelling or structure but rather encompasses the collective presence of multiple buildings, houses, and other infrastructure that form a community. 

It represents the social, economic, and cultural interactions of individuals living together in a specific location.

Types of Settlements 

Classification on the basis of functions performed by habitants 

Settlements are the result of human efforts to establish permanent dwelling places and create communities.

Rural  Settlements: They can be located in rural areas, with a focus on agriculture, farming, and other primary activities. 

Urban Settlements: can be urban in nature, characterized by a higher population density and a more diverse range of economic activities, including trade, commerce, manufacturing, and services.

Settlements in Rural areas

The most commonly used and accepted classification of villages is based on size, population, and land area. Several classes of villages are recognized using these criteria:

1.  Pura: Pura refers to the place where the original settlement existed in ancient times. It is the nucleus of the area, with chief habitats surrounding or located nearby.
   
   
2.  Khas: Khas is used to denote the main village. As the population grows, the term khas is used for the village from which people spread out to neighboring areas.
   
   
3.  Kalan: Kalan is used for large villages and is often added to the end of the village name to distinguish it as a sizable settlement.
   
   
4.  Khurd: Khurd is a term used for small villages, indicating their smaller population and size compared to other villages.
   
   
5.  Khera: Khera is used for small colonies within a village or for elevated land areas within the village. Khera holds significant social value for the village community as it serves as a gathering place for events like Ramlila.
   
   
6.  Nanglay: Nanglay refers to a cluster of small villages where one village is surrounded by several satellite villages, forming a cohesive group.

These classifications help differentiate villages based on their characteristics, size, and social significance within the community. By using these terms, it becomes easier to identify and categorize villages according to their specific attributes and roles within the larger rural landscape.

Settlements in Urban areas

Urban settlements have experienced rapid growth worldwide, with approximately 48% of the global population now residing in cities.

Urban settlements can be classified based on the range of services, functions, and sizes they offer.

1. Town: A town is commonly understood as a larger version of a village. While population size is not the sole criterion for classification, towns typically exhibit specific functions such as retail and wholesale trade, professional services, and manufacturing. These functions differentiate towns from smaller villages.
   
   
2. City: A city can be considered a leading town that has surpassed its regional or local rivals in terms of size and significance. Cities are larger than towns and encompass a wide range of economic activities. They often host major financial institutions, regional administrative offices, and transport terminals. When the population of a settlement exceeds one million, it is referred to as a million city.
   
   
3. Conurbation: The term "conurbation" was coined by Patrick Geddes in 1915 and refers to a large urban area resulting from the merging of separate cities or towns. Examples of conurbations include Tokyo, Chicago, Greater London, and Manchester. Conurbations are characterized by their extensive urban development, where multiple cities or towns blend together.
   
   
4. Million Cities: The term "million cities" refers to urban settlements with a population of at least one million inhabitants. In the mid-1970s, there were 162 million cities globally, but by 2005, this number had tripled to 438 million cities. As of 2016, there were 512 million cities with a million or more residents. It is projected that by 2030, the number of million cities will reach 662. New York, Paris, and London were among the first cities to surpass the one million mark.
   
   
5. Megalopolis: The term "megalopolis" originates from the Greek words meaning "great city." A megalopolis refers to a vast super metropolitan area that extends as a union of conurbations. An example of a megalopolis is the urban landscape stretching from Boston to Washington, D.C. in the northeastern United States.

These various types of urban settlements reflect the dynamic and diverse nature of human habitation in urban environments. From smaller towns to bustling cities, expanding conurbations, and immense megalopolises, urban settlements are centers of population, economic activity, and cultural exchange in the modern world.

The Rural Urban Dichotomy

The rural-urban dichotomy refers to the distinction between rural and urban settlements, although there is no universally agreed-upon definition for towns and villages. 

Population size is often used to differentiate between the two, but it's not always the only factor. Some villages in densely populated countries have larger populations than certain towns in Western countries.

Traditionally, villages were primarily focused on agriculture, while towns were associated with trade, services, and manufacturing. 

However, the line between urban and rural has become more blurred. 

In developed countries, many urban residents choose to live in rural areas while commuting to work in cities, seeking a quieter lifestyle and closer connection to nature.

Differentiating between urban and rural settlements involves considering their overall functions and characteristics. Urban areas offer a wider range of services, amenities, and job opportunities, while rural areas often have stronger ties to the land and primary activities.

There is no consistent hierarchy of functions that universally distinguishes urban from rural settlements. The specific functions and services available in a town or village can vary greatly depending on regional development, cultural context, and economic conditions.

Classification on the basis of degree of dispersion of dwellings

Rural settlements can be categorized into different types based on the degree of dispersion or nucleation of dwellings. 

Compact settlements, where all the dwellings are concentrated in one central site. These settlements are characterized by a high density of dwellings in a small area. 

They are commonly found in regions with fertile plains that support intensive agriculture, such as the plateau region of Malwa, Narmada Valley, Nimar upland, and parts of Rajasthan. 

Compact settlements often emerge in areas with abundant water resources, as seen in the Punjab and Haryana regions.

Semi-compact or hamleted settlements consist of a recognized main site and one or more closely linked hamlets. The number of villages is greater than half the number of hamlets in this type of settlement.

 These settlements cover a larger area compared to compact settlements. The main site experiences population pressure, leading some families to shift and form hamlets connected by footpaths or roads. 

Semi-compact settlements are commonly found in the khadar areas of the Ganga River, the banks of Punjab, the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, and the delta regions of rivers.

Hamleted settlements are characterized by a scattered distribution of hamlets throughout an area, with intervening fields. 

The main or central settlement may be absent or have minimal influence on the surrounding hamlets. The number of villages equals half the number of hamlets in this type of settlement. 

Hamleted settlements are typically found in various regions, including tribal areas and the slopes of the Himalayas. Homesteads and farmsteads in the Punjab and Haryana regions are examples of hamleted settlements.

Dispersed settlements have a lower number of villages compared to the number of hamlets. In this type of settlement, people live in isolated dwellings scattered across cultivated fields. Dispersed settlements are commonly found in tribal areas and on the slopes of the Himalayas. Homesteads and farmsteads in the Punjab and Haryana regions also fall into this category.

These classifications help us understand the different patterns of rural settlements based on the concentration or dispersion of dwellings. The characteristics and distribution of these settlements are influenced by factors such as geography, agricultural practices, population density, and social dynamics.

Factors influencing human settlements  

The location of rural settlements is influenced by various factors that play a crucial role in determining where people choose to live and establish their communities.

Water Source

One significant factor is water supply. Rural settlements are often built near water bodies such as lakes, springs, and rivers. The availability of water is essential for various purposes, including washing, cooking, and drinking. Water bodies also influence the local diet, as communities may rely on fishing as a food source.

Land

Another factor is the quality of land for agriculture. People tend to settle in areas with fertile lands that are suitable for cultivation. For instance, in European villages, settlement often occurred near rolling countryside to avoid low-lying swampy areas. 

In contrast, in Southeast Asia, people tend to live near coastal plains and low-lying river valleys that provide suitable conditions for rice cultivation.

The choice of settlement location is also influenced by the topography of the land. Upland areas that are resistant to flooding are preferred to prevent damage to houses and ensure the safety of residents. In regions with low-lying river basins prone to flooding, settlements may be established on levees and terraces, which serve as dry points. In tropical countries, houses are sometimes built on stilts near marshy lands to protect against animal pests, insects, and floods.

Availability of raw materials

The availability of building materials is another important consideration. Settlements often benefit from proximity to natural resources such as stone and wood, which can be used for construction purposes.

Sense of security

Defense can also be a factor influencing settlement location, particularly during times of war, political instability, or hostility from neighboring communities. Settlements may be strategically positioned on defensive islands or hills to provide a better vantage point and enhance security. In Nigeria, for example, upright inselbergs formed favorable defensive sites for certain settlements.

These factors collectively shape the location and characteristics of rural settlements. The availability of water, suitable land for agriculture, access to building materials, and considerations of defense all play significant roles in determining where people choose to establish their homes and communities in rural areas.

Evolution of Towns in India

Throughout history, towns have thrived in India, with their development and evolution witnessing various periods of growth and change. This evolution continued until the arrival of Europeans in the eighteenth century. Based on their historical development, Indian towns can be classified into three main categories:

1. Ancient Towns: India is home to numerous towns with a historical background spanning over 2000 years. Many of these towns developed as religious and cultural centers. Varanasi is a prominent example of an ancient town, known for its spiritual significance. Other examples include Prayag (Allahabad), Pataliputra (Patna), and Madurai, which have played significant roles in Indian history.
   
   
2. Medieval Towns: Approximately 100 towns in India trace their roots back to the medieval period. These towns emerged as headquarters of principalities and kingdoms. Many of them are fortified towns built on the remnants of ancient settlements. Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Agra, and Nagpur are noteworthy examples of medieval towns that have preserved their historical charm.
   
   
3. Modern Towns: The British and other European powers contributed to the development of numerous towns in India. Initially, they established trading ports along the coast, such as Surat, Daman, Goa, and Pondicherry. Later, the British focused on three main centers—Mumbai (Bombay), Chennai (Madras), and Kolkata (Calcutta)—where they consolidated their influence and established towns in their own architectural style. As their dominance expanded, either directly or through control over princely states, they established administrative centers, hill towns as summer retreats, and incorporated new civil administrative and military areas. Additionally, towns based on modern industries emerged after 1850, with Jamshedpur serving as a notable example of industrial town planning.

The evolution of towns in India showcases the rich historical, cultural, and architectural diversity found throughout the country. From ancient religious centers to medieval fort towns and modern industrial hubs, each category represents a distinct phase in India's urban development.