Geography (Human Settlements)

This Exam Covers the Following Topics

  1. Introduction to Human Settlements:
    • Definition of Human Settlement
    • Types and sizes of settlements (from hamlets to metropolitan cities)
    • Basic distinctions between rural and urban settlements
  2. Rural Settlements:
    • Characteristics of Rural Settlements:
      • Dependence on land-based primary economic activities
      • Social relationships and community structure
    • Types of Rural Settlements:
      • Clustered Settlements:
        • Characteristics of closely built-up areas (e.g., geometric shapes, found in fertile plains)
      • Semi-Clustered Settlements:
        • Description of fragmentation and segregation in settlements (e.g., dominance of central village by landowners)
      • Hamleted Settlements:
        • Division into physically separated units, often by social or ethnic groups
      • Dispersed Settlements:
        • Isolated huts or small clusters in remote areas (e.g., Nagaland, Kerala, Uttarakhand)
  3. Urban Settlements:
    • Characteristics of Urban Settlements:
      • Engagement in non-agricultural activities (secondary and tertiary sectors)
      • Social and economic functions of cities
    • Functional Relationship with Rural Settlements:
      • Role of cities in providing goods and services to rural areas
      • Transport and communication networks
  4. Evolution of Towns in India:
    • Ancient Towns:
      • Historical and religious significance (e.g., Varanasi, Madurai, Patna)
    • Medieval Towns:
      • Emergence as headquarters of principalities and fort towns (e.g., Delhi, Hyderabad, Agra)
    • Modern Towns:
      • Towns developed by the British (e.g., Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai)
      • Post-independence administrative and industrial towns (e.g., Chandigarh, Bhubaneswar, Durgapur)
  5. Urbanization in India:
    • Trends in Urbanization (1901-2011):
      • Urban population growth over the decades
      • Key statistics and trends (e.g., percentage of urban population in 2011)
    • Challenges of Urbanization:
      • Overcrowding, infrastructure pressure, and urban sprawl
  6. Functional Classification of Towns:
    • Administrative Towns:
      • Headquarters of government functions (e.g., New Delhi, Chandigarh)
    • Industrial Towns:
      • Cities focused on manufacturing and industries (e.g., Jamshedpur, Bhilai)
    • Transport Cities:
      • Cities serving as hubs for import/export and inland transport (e.g., Kandla, Agra)
    • Commercial Towns:
      • Specialization in trade and commerce (e.g., Kolkata, Saharanpur)
    • Mining Towns:
      • Towns in mineral-rich areas (e.g., Jharia, Raniganj)
    • Garrison Cantonment Towns:
      • Military towns (e.g., Ambala, Jalandhar)
    • Educational Towns:
      • Centers of education and research (e.g., Roorkee, Aligarh)
    • Religious and Cultural Towns:
      • Towns with religious and cultural significance (e.g., Varanasi, Haridwar)
    • Tourist Towns:
      • Popular tourist destinations (e.g., Shimla, Nainital, Jodhpur)
  7. Smart Cities Mission:
    • Objectives of the Smart Cities Mission:
      • Core infrastructure development, sustainability, and quality of life
      • Use of smart solutions for urban services and disaster resilience
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