2.2.1.3 - Modern Towns
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Introduction to Human Settlements
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Today we will explore what human settlements are. Can anyone define a human settlement?
Isn't it where people live, like in houses or towns?
Exactly! Human settlements are clusters of dwellings, which can vary in size from a small hamlet to a large city. Now, let's discuss what influences the size and function of these settlements. What are some factors that affect this?
Maybe the economy? Like, what jobs people do?
Correct! The economic activities defined by the settlement type play a crucial role. Can anyone explain the difference between rural and urban settlements?
Rural areas depend more on farming, while urban areas have more factories and services.
Great observation! This leads us to understand the economic foundation of these settlements.
Remember, we can use the acronym 'RUE' for Rural, Urban, Economy to remember their characteristics. Rural for primary economy, Urban for secondary and tertiary, and Economy for their economic roles.
Types of Rural Settlements
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Now, let's discuss the four types of rural settlements in India. Who can name one type?
What about clustered settlements?
Yes! Clustered settlements are compact areas where houses are closely built together. What might be an advantage of such a layout?
It might be easier to share resources, like water or land.
That's a valuable point! Now, how does a semi-clustered settlement differ?
They have some houses together but also space in between.
Exactly! And what about hamleted arrangements?
Those are divided into smaller units but still share a name.
Right! Each type meets different needs based on factors like resources and social structure.
Benefits of Urban Settlements
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Let's transition to urban settlements. Why do you think urban settlements are larger and more complex?
Because they have more jobs and services?
That's right! Urban areas engage in diverse economic functions. Can someone share an example?
Mumbai is a big city with many businesses!
Good example! Remember, urban areas also have administrative, educational, and commercial roles. Let's think about how towns evolve over time. What historical aspects contribute to modern towns?
Maybe colonial history shaped them?
Exactly! Colonial settlements influenced our modern towns' development. Let's remember the term 'RACE' for Rural-Admin-Commercial-Evolution to keep track of these factors!
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
The section examines human settlements, defining them as clusters where humans live and highlighting the differences between rural and urban settlements. It discusses the evolution of towns in India, categorizing them into ancient, medieval, and modern towns, emphasizing the functional roles that towns play in economic growth and societal structure.
Detailed
Modern Towns
This section delves into the concept of human settlements, which are defined as clusters of dwellings where people live. These settlements range from small hamlets to large metropolitan cities. As settlements increase in size, their economic roles become more complex, transitioning from primarily agricultural practices in rural areas to diverse economic activities in urban environments.
Rural vs. Urban Settlements
The text details the fundamental differences between rural and urban settlements:
- Economic Dependence: Rural areas rely on land-based primary economic activities, while urban areas focus on processing raw materials and providing various services.
- Social Structures: Urban areas exhibit more complex and formal social relationships due to higher mobility and population density compared to the intimate social connections typical of rural communities.
Types of Rural Settlements
India’s rural settlements can be categorized based on their spatial distribution into four types:
1. Clustered Settlements: Compact areas with closely built houses.
2. Semi-Clustered Settlements: Villages with some clustering but also spaces between houses.
3. Hamleted Settlements: Fragmented units known locally by different names, indicating social segmentation.
4. Dispersed Settlements: Isolated or widely spaced homes often due to environmental factors, like water scarcity.
Urban Settlements
Urban settlements are larger and more densely populated, with varied functions compared to rural areas. They have evolved over time, transitioning from ancient towns rooted in historical significance to modern towns developed during and post-colonial periods. The classification of modern towns includes administrative, industrial, and commercial roles, reflecting their diverse functionalities within the economic landscape of India.
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Development of Modern Towns
Chapter 1 of 5
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Chapter Content
The British and other Europeans have developed a number of towns in India. Starting their foothold on coastal locations, they first developed some trading ports such as Surat, Daman, Goa, Pondicherry, etc. The British later consolidated their hold around three principal nodes – Mumbai (Bombay), Chennai (Madras), and Kolkata (Calcutta) – and built them in the British style.
Detailed Explanation
This chunk explains how modern towns in India originated primarily during the colonial period. The British established several towns on the coast as trading ports for commerce. The major cities that became significant urban centers were Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, where British architectural styles and urban planning methods were introduced.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine setting up a new business in a city today. Just like modern entrepreneurs analyze where to establish their operations for better access to customers and resources, the British chose coastal areas to build towns that could efficiently facilitate trade with other countries.
Census Definition of Urban Settlements
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Chapter Content
The census of India, 1991 defines urban settlements as 'All places which have municipality, corporation, cantonment board or notified town area committee and have a minimum population of 5000 persons, at least 75 per cent of male workers are engaged in non-agriculture pursuits and a density of population of at least 400 persons per square kilometer are urban.'
Detailed Explanation
This section provides a formal definition of what constitutes an urban settlement in India as per the 1991 census. These criteria help in classifying towns by considering factors such as population size, economic activity, and population density. This definition ensures that cities are not just labeled urban based on size but also functional characteristics.
Examples & Analogies
Think of it like making a club with strict entry rules. Just as some clubs don’t let in anyone unless they meet specific criteria (like age and interests), urban settlements are defined by clear benchmarks that describe what makes them a town.
Urbanization Trends in India
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Chapter Content
Towns flourished since prehistoric times in India. Even at the time of the Indus valley civilization, towns like Harappa and Mohanjodaro were in existence. The following period witnessed the evolution of towns, which continued with periodic ups and downs until the arrival of Europeans in India in the eighteenth century.
Detailed Explanation
This chunk traces the historical development of towns in India, starting from ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley, which already showcased complex urban setups. This evolution indicates a continually shifting urban landscape influenced by various socio-economic factors, including the entry of European powers and subsequent urbanization patterns.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a river that changes its course over time due to natural factors. Similarly, towns in India have evolved due to many changes in society, economy, and politics, adapting to new influences throughout history.
Functional Classification of Towns
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Chapter Content
Towns based on modern industries also evolved after 1850. Jamshedpur can be cited as an example. Apart from their role as central or nodal places, many towns and cities perform specialised services.
Detailed Explanation
This chunk highlights how towns began to be categorized not just by their size or history but also by their functional roles in society, particularly post-1850 with the emergence of modern industries. Cities like Jamshedpur became known for specific industrial activities, indicating a broader trend of urban specialization.
Examples & Analogies
Consider how different neighborhoods in a big city develop unique specializations – like a tech hub with offices for software companies, while another area focuses on arts and culture – urban centers adapt to serve specific economic needs.
Types of Urban Settlements
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Chapter Content
On the basis of dominant or specialised functions, Indian cities and towns can be broadly classified as Administrative towns and cities, Industrial towns, Transport Cities, Commercial towns, Mining towns, Educational towns, Religious and cultural towns, and Tourist towns.
Detailed Explanation
This chunk explains various types of urban settlements in India based on their primary functions. For instance, administrative towns serve as government hubs, industrial towns focus on manufacturing, while commercial towns concentrate on trade. This classification underscores how towns can serve multiple purposes, catering to different sectors of the economy.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a Swiss army knife that has multiple tools for different tasks. Similarly, cities serve various functions—some are designed for governance while others are created to drive industry, much like how different tools are used for specific needs.
Key Concepts
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Human Settlement: Clusters where people live and interact.
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Rural vs Urban: Differences in economic activities and social structures.
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Types of Rural Settlements: Clustered, semi-clustered, hamleted, and dispersed.
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Urban Settlement Characteristics: Larger size, more complex functions, and historical evolution.
Examples & Applications
Clustered settlements can be seen in the densely populated regions of Gujarat.
Urban settlements like Mumbai serve multiple roles, such as commercial, administrative, and cultural hubs.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
Rural homes tightly packed, while urban sprawls are stacked, clustered, hamleted too — different lives for me and you.
Stories
In a small village, a tight-knit community grows together, while in a bustling city, people rush in different directions, representing the variety in town types.
Memory Tools
RURALS: Remember - 'Rural Uses Resources And Land Sustainably.' This can help recall aspects that define rural areas.
Acronyms
URBAN
'Utilization
Resources
Business
Activities
Networks' captures the essence of urban settlements.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Human Settlement
Clusters of dwellings inhabited by humans.
- Rural Settlement
Settlements primarily engaged in land-based economic activities.
- Urban Settlement
Settlements characterized by higher population density and diverse economic functions.
- Clustered Settlement
A compact area where houses are built close to each other.
- SemiClustered Settlement
A type of settlement featuring some clustering but with significant distances between homes.
- Hamleted Settlement
A fragmented settlement consisting of separate units that share a common name.
- Dispersed Settlement
A settlement pattern where homes are isolated or spread over a large area.
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