Urbanization in India
Overview
Human settlements denote clusters of dwellings where people reside, and they vary significantly in size and function. Settlements range from small hamlets to vast metropolitan cities, which inherently transform as they grow in size due to shifts in economic activities, social structures, and technology.
Types of Settlements
Human settlements in India can be categorized into rural and urban settlements:
- Rural Settlements: These primarily relate to agriculture and are characterized by smaller, closely-knit communities. They include:
- Clustered Settlements: Compact areas with houses concentrated in a distinct zone away from farms (e.g., certain villages in the northeastern states).
- Semi-Clustered Settlements: Fragmented communities often influenced by cultural or socioeconomic factors.
- Hamleted Settlements: Divided into units bearing different local names.
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Dispersed Settlements: Isolated structures often found in regions with less population density or adverse geography.
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Urban Settlements: These areas are larger, more complex, and focus on non-agricultural functions, providing services and goods to surrounding rural areas. There are different classifications of urban towns, including ancient, medieval, and modern towns, with examples such as Varanasi (ancient), Delhi (medieval), and Mumbai (modern).
Urbanization Trends
The chapter outlines urbanization trends in India, revealing an increase in urban population from 10.84% in 1901 to 31.16% in 2011. Urban centers serve as nodes for economic growth, linking closely with rural hinterlands through transportation and communication.
This overview emphasizes crucial relationships between rural and urban areas, highlighting how economic, social, and cultural dynamics shape settlement patterns throughout India's diverse landscape.