Settlements, Urbanisation, Functional Classification of Towns

Settlements, Urbanisation, Functional Classification of Towns, Million-Cities & Megacities – UPSC Geography Notes

Overview: Human settlements and urbanisation are key themes in Human Geography. Understanding how rural and urban settlements evolve, how towns and cities are classified, and what makes a million-city or megacity is essential for UPSC GS1 and Geography Optional.

Table of Contents

• 1. Settlements – Meaning and Types
• 2. Rural Settlements
• 3. Urban Settlements
• 4. Urbanisation – Meaning and Causes
• 5. Problems of Urbanisation
• 6. Functional Classification of Towns
• 7. Million-Cities
• 8. Megacities
• 9. UPSC Quick Revision Notes
• 10. Previous Year Question

1. Settlements – Meaning and Types

A settlement is a place where people live, work and organize their social and economic activities. It varies in size, pattern, and function.

Types of Settlements

• Rural Settlements – dispersed or compact; primary activities dominate.
• Urban Settlements – nucleated; secondary & tertiary activities dominate.

2. Rural Settlements

Rural settlements are closely linked to agriculture and natural resources.

Characteristics

• Low population density
• Primary activities (agriculture, fishing, forestry)
• Simple lifestyle and community-based living
• Lower levels of services and infrastructure

Types of Rural Settlement Patterns

• Clustered (Nucleated) – houses close together.
• Dispersed – houses scattered across fields.
• Linear – along roads, rivers, canals.
• Hamleted – small clusters within larger settlement.

3. Urban Settlements

Urban settlements are centres of trade, industry, and services.

Characteristics

• High population density
• Diverse economy – industry, services, commerce
• Advanced infrastructure
• Higher living standards

Criteria for Urban Areas (India – Census)

• Population ≥ 5,000
• 75% of male workers in non-agricultural activities
• Population density ≥ 400 persons per sq. km

4. Urbanisation – Meaning and Causes

Urbanisation is the process by which the proportion of urban population increases over time.

Main Causes of Urbanisation

• Industrialisation – creates jobs and attracts migrants.
• Rural–urban migration – push and pull factors.
• Natural increase – higher birth rate in cities.
• Expansion of towns – merging of rural areas with cities.

5. Problems of Urbanisation

• Slums and informal settlements
• Traffic congestion
• Air and water pollution
• Shortage of housing
• Waste management issues
• Urban unemployment

6. Functional Classification of Towns

Towns are classified based on their main economic function.

Major Functional Types

• Administrative Towns – Delhi, Washington DC
• Trading and Commercial Towns – Mumbai, Dubai
• Industrial Towns – Jamshedpur, Detroit
• Mining Towns – Dhanbad, Ruhr (Germany)
• Transport Towns – Chicago (rail hub), Rotterdam (port)
• Tourist Towns – Goa, Jaipur, Venice
• Educational Towns – Oxford, Cambridge, Kota
• Cultural Towns – Varanasi, Kyoto
• Garrison Towns – Ambala, Jhansi, Rawalpindi

7. Million-Cities

A million-city is a city with a population of 1 million (10 lakh) or more.

Examples (India)

• Mumbai
• Delhi
• Kolkata
• Chennai
• Bengaluru
• Hyderabad

India has over **50+ million-plus cities** (as per Census).

8. Megacities

A megacity is a city with a population of 10 million (1 crore) or more.

Characteristics

• Extremely high population density
• Complex transport network
• Urban sprawl
• Massive economic concentration

Examples

• Tokyo (Japan)
• Delhi (India)
• Mumbai (India)
• Shanghai (China)
• New York (USA)
• São Paulo (Brazil)

9. UPSC Quick Revision Notes

Settlement → place where people live & work.
Rural → dispersed/clustered; primary activities.
Urban → nucleated; secondary & tertiary activities.
Urbanisation → movement of population to urban areas.
Million city → 1 million+ people.
Megacity → 10 million+ people.
Functional classification → administrative, industrial, mining, transport, tourist, cultural, educational towns.

10. Previous Year Question

Q. Which one of the following is NOT a characteristic of megacities?
(a) High population density
(b) Low economic activity
(c) Urban sprawl
(d) Complex transport networks
Answer: (b) Low economic activity

Related Keywords

Settlements UPSC Notes, Urbanisation, Functional Towns, Million Cities, Megacities, Human Geography, NCERT Class XII Summary.

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Sources: NCERT Class XII – Human Geography, Census of India, UN World Urbanization Prospects (simplified).

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