Worksheet Solutions: Human Settlements | Geography Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Fill in the Blanks

Q1: Rural settlements primarily engage in ________ activities.
Ans: Agricultural activities.
Rural settlements primarily engage in agricultural activities, involving farming and cultivation of crops and livestock.

Q2: Hamleted settlements are motivated by ________ and ________ factors.
Ans: Social, Ethnic factors.
Hamleted settlements are motivated by social and ethnic factors, leading to the physical separation and formation of distinct hamlets within a village.

Q3: Urban settlements are characterized by ________ and ________ activities.
Ans: Commercial, Industrial activities.
Urban settlements are characterized by commercial and industrial activities, emphasizing trade, business, and manufacturing within city limits.

Q4: Ancient towns like Patna and Varanasi developed primarily as ________ and ________ centers.
Ans: Religious, Cultural centers.
Ancient towns like Patna and Varanasi developed primarily as religious and cultural centers, serving as significant hubs for spiritual and artistic activities.

Q5: The percentage of urbanization in India is ________%.
Ans: 28%.
The percentage of urbanization in India is 28%, indicating the proportion of the population residing in urban areas.

Q6: Cities with a population between 1 to 5 million are termed as ________ cities.
Ans: Metropolitan cities.
Cities with a population between 1 to 5 million are termed as metropolitan cities, signifying their status as major urban centers with substantial populations.

Q7: ________ is the largest city in India based on the 2001 census.
Ans: Mumbai.
Mumbai is the largest city in India based on the 2001 census, highlighting its significant population size and urban influence.

Q8: ________ towns are known for their educational institutions like Pilani and Aligarh.
Ans: Educational towns.
Educational towns are known for their educational institutions like Pilani and Aligarh, indicating their role as centers of learning and academic excellence.

Q9: Urban agglomeration includes the city and its ________ urban outgrowths.
Ans: Adjoining urban outgrowths.
Urban agglomeration includes the city and its adjoining urban outgrowths, encompassing areas around the city that are integrated into the urban environment.

Q10: Clustered settlements often have a recognizable ________ and ________ pattern.
Ans: Geometric, Rectangular pattern.
Clustered settlements often have a recognizable geometric and rectangular pattern, indicating the structured layout of houses and streets within the settlement.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: Urban settlements have high density.
Reason: Urban areas require efficient land use due to high population.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (a)
Urban settlements indeed have high population density because the available land needs to accommodate a large number of people efficiently. The reason provided correctly explains why urban areas have high density. Efficient land use is essential in cities due to the scarcity of space and the need to accommodate a significant population within limited urban boundaries.

Q2: Assertion: Hamleted settlements are physically separated with different names.
Reason: Hamleted settlements are primarily found in hilly regions.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (a)
Hamleted settlements are indeed physically separated with distinct names for each hamlet. This separation is not limited to hilly regions but can also be found in various geographical settings. However, the reason provided does not correctly explain the assertion. The physical separation of hamleted settlements is not solely because they are in hilly regions; it can occur due to social, cultural, or historical factors.

Q3: Assertion: Modern towns in India are primarily located on the coast.
Reason: Europeans built forts that later developed into towns.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (c)
Modern towns in India are not primarily located on the coast. While some towns might be situated on the coast due to historical trade and colonial reasons, the assertion is not universally true. The reason provided is incorrect; the development of towns in India cannot be generalized as solely resulting from forts built by Europeans.

Q4: Assertion: Urbanization in India increased significantly during the 20th century.
Reason: Planned cities played a role in urbanization.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (a)
Urbanization in India did increase significantly during the 20th century, primarily due to various factors including industrialization, economic opportunities, and migration from rural areas. The role of planned cities is crucial in this context. Planned cities, designed with infrastructure and facilities, attract people from rural areas, thereby contributing significantly to the process of urbanization. The reason provided correctly explains the assertion.

Q5: Assertion: Dispersed settlements are common in flat terrains.
Reason: Dispersed settlements are isolated due to nature of terrain and land resources.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (a)
Dispersed settlements are indeed common in flat terrains because there are no natural barriers such as hills or mountains to confine the settlements. The reason correctly explains why dispersed settlements are isolated; in flat terrains, settlements can be scattered due to the availability of land resources without geographical constraints.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the primary occupation in rural settlements.
Ans: The primary occupation in rural settlements is agriculture, which includes farming, livestock rearing, and related activities.

Q2: Name one example of an ancient town in India.
Ans: One example of an ancient town in India is Varanasi (also known as Kashi or Benares).

Q3: What are the two factors that motivate hamleted settlements?
Ans: The two factors that motivate hamleted settlements are availability of water resources and defensive reasons.

Q4: Define urban agglomeration.
Ans: Urban agglomeration refers to the contiguous urban area formed by the expansion of towns and cities, where the boundaries of individual urban areas merge.

Q5: List any two industrial towns in India.
Ans: Two examples of industrial towns in India are Jamshedpur and Faridabad.

Q6: What is the minimum population for a Class II town in India?
Ans: The minimum population for a Class II town in India is between 50,000 and 99,999.

Q7: Name one planned city developed after independence.
Ans: One planned city developed after independence is Chandigarh.

Q8: What are the common shapes of clustered settlements?
Ans: The common shapes of clustered settlements are circular, rectangular, and linear.

Q9: What are the reasons for the formation of semi-clustered settlements?
Ans: The reasons for the formation of semi-clustered settlements are topography, availability of resources, and defense.

Q10: Mention one reason for the development of medieval towns in India.
Ans: One reason for the development of medieval towns in India was the growth of trade and commerce.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the difference between clustered and semi-clustered rural settlements.
Ans: Clustered rural settlements refer to a type of settlement pattern where houses and buildings are closely grouped together in a compact manner. This clustering of structures promotes a sense of community and allows for efficient land use. On the other hand, semi-clustered rural settlements have a dispersed layout with houses and buildings scattered across the landscape, albeit with a certain degree of clustering within smaller subgroups. Semi-clustered settlements often occur in areas with less fertile land or in regions where specific economic activities require more space.

Q2: Describe the characteristics of ancient towns in India.
Ans: Ancient towns in India exhibited several common characteristics. They were usually fortified with walls or ramparts for protection against invasions. These towns had well-planned layouts, often in the form of grids or concentric circles, and were organized around a central marketplace or a religious center. The architecture of ancient towns showcased intricate craftsmanship and fine detailing, with structures like temples, palaces, and public buildings constructed using stone, brick, or wood. The towns were often centers of trade, commerce, and administration, attracting people from various walks of life.

Q3: Discuss the factors contributing to the growth of urbanization in India during the 20th century.
Ans: Several factors contributed to the growth of urbanization in India during the 20th century. Industrialization played a significant role as factories and manufacturing units attracted rural populations to urban areas in search of employment opportunities. The expansion of transportation networks, including railways and roads, made it easier for people to migrate to cities. The establishment of educational institutions and healthcare facilities in urban centers also drew people from rural areas. Additionally, government policies and investment in urban infrastructure, such as housing projects and urban development schemes, further accelerated the process of urbanization.

Q4: Explain the concept of urban agglomeration with examples.
Ans: Urban agglomeration refers to the spatial clustering of cities and towns that have grown together over time, forming a contiguous urban area. It includes the main city as well as its surrounding suburbs, satellite towns, and industrial areas. These interconnected urban areas share common economic, social, and environmental characteristics. Examples of urban agglomerations in India include the National Capital Region (which includes Delhi and its surrounding areas like Noida, Gurgaon, and Ghaziabad), Mumbai Metropolitan Region, and Kolkata Metropolitan Area.

Q5: List and briefly explain the functional classifications of towns.
Ans: Towns can be classified based on their functions, which include:

• Administrative Towns: These towns serve as administrative centers, housing government offices, administrative institutions, and providing administrative services to the surrounding region.
• Industrial Towns: These towns are primarily focused on industrial activities, such as manufacturing, processing, and production.
• Commercial Towns: These towns are centers of trade and commerce, with a concentration of markets, shops, and commercial activities.
• Educational and Cultural Towns: These towns are known for their educational institutions, cultural heritage, and artistic activities.
• Tourist Towns: These towns attract tourists due to their natural, historical, or cultural attractions, providing facilities and services catering to tourists' needs.

Q6: Discuss the characteristics of hamleted settlements and where they are commonly found in India.
Ans: Hamleted settlements are characterized by the presence of small clusters or groups of houses that are spread across a rural landscape, often surrounded by agricultural fields or natural features. These settlements are commonly found in hilly and mountainous regions, where the terrain and topography restrict the development of compact clustered settlements. Hamleted settlements can also be found in areas with dispersed populations, such as arid or semi-arid regions, where people live in small hamlets to ensure access to resources like water and grazing land.

Q7: What are the major functions of administrative towns in India?
Ans: Administrative towns in India serve several major functions, including:

• Housing government offices and administrative institutions responsible for governance and public administration.
• Providing administrative services to the surrounding region, such as issuing licenses, permits, and conducting official documentation.
• Acting as centers for coordination and decision-making regarding regional development, infrastructure planning, and public welfare programs.
• Facilitating the implementation of government policies and programs at the local level.
• Serving as hubs for communication and coordination between different levels of government, departments, and agencies.

Q8: How do dispersed settlements differ from clustered rural settlements?
Ans: Dispersed settlements are characterized by houses and buildings scattered across a rural landscape with no significant clustering. In dispersed settlements, the distance between individual structures is relatively large compared to clustered rural settlements. This type of settlement pattern is often found in regions with abundant land availability and where economic activities, such as extensive farming or ranching, require larger land areas. In contrast, clustered rural settlements have houses and buildings closely grouped together, promoting a sense of community and allowing for efficient land use.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Discuss the role of urban settlements in India’s economic development.
Ans:

• Industrial Hubs: Urban settlements serve as industrial hubs, attracting investments and providing employment opportunities in manufacturing and services sectors.
• Educational Centers: Cities host renowned educational institutions, fostering intellectual growth and research, and contributing to the nation's knowledge base.
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Urban areas facilitate innovation and entrepreneurship due to the availability of resources, networking opportunities, and access to venture capital.
• Infrastructure Development: Urban centers often receive substantial infrastructure development, including transportation, healthcare, and utilities, enhancing the overall quality of life.
• Cultural and Tourism Hub: Urban settlements preserve cultural heritage, promoting tourism and contributing to the economy through cultural exchanges.

Q2: Explain the significance of clustered settlements in the context of community life and resource utilization.
Ans:

• Community Interaction: Clustered settlements promote community interaction and social bonding due to the proximity of houses. Residents can easily access neighbors, fostering a sense of belonging and cooperation.
• Resource Utilization: Clustered settlements optimize resource utilization, especially land and water. Houses are closely built, leaving more land available for agriculture or other purposes. Common water sources can be efficiently shared among nearby households, ensuring sustainable resource management.
• Defensive Advantage: Historically, clustered settlements provided defensive advantages. Villagers could collectively defend their community against external threats due to the compact arrangement, ensuring the safety and security of residents.

Q3: Examine the factors contributing to the development of modern towns in India during British colonial rule.
Ans:

• Coastal Locations: Many modern towns developed by the British were located on the coast, facilitating trade and maritime activities. Coastal areas offered easy access to ports and transportation routes, enabling efficient export and import of goods.
  Fort Constructions: Europeans constructed forts in strategic locations, around which towns developed. These forts served as centers of administration and military control, encouraging urbanization around them.
• Colonial Administration: British colonial administration established administrative centers in various regions, leading to the growth of towns. These administrative towns facilitated governance, law enforcement, and revenue collection, driving urban development.
  Industrialization: The introduction of industries and factories by the British in certain areas led to the growth of industrial towns. Industrial activities attracted labor and resources, fostering urbanization in those regions.

Q4: Evaluate the impact of urbanization on rural areas in India.
Ans:

• Economic Opportunities: Urbanization creates job opportunities in diverse sectors, attracting rural labor. Many individuals migrate to cities in search of better employment prospects, leading to economic growth in both urban and rural areas.
• Infrastructure Development: Urbanization often leads to improved infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and healthcare facilities. These developments, though concentrated in urban areas, indirectly benefit nearby rural regions, enhancing overall living standards.
• Market Access: Rural areas near urban centers gain improved access to markets. Farmers and artisans can sell their produce and products more easily, increasing their income and encouraging economic activities in rural regions.
• Educational Advancements: Proximity to urban centers provides rural children with better educational opportunities. Improved schools and colleges in nearby urban areas enhance the education level of rural youth, empowering them for future employment.
• Cultural Exchange: Urban-rural interaction fosters cultural exchanges. Rural populations can access urban cultural events, while urban dwellers gain insights into rural traditions. This exchange enriches both urban and rural lifestyles, promoting social harmony and understanding.