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Home / IAS Preparation / Unveiling Patterns of Rural Settlements

Unveiling Patterns of Rural Settlements: Exploring Formation, Growth, and Transformation

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Rural settlements exhibit different patterns. This depends on factors like topography, climate, economic activities, and social organization. The study of patterns of rural settlements helps us understand the relationship between humans and their physical environment. 

In this article, we delve into the intricate patterns of rural settlements. The article sheds light on the diverse ways in which rural communities organize themselves spatially and functionally.

The topic Multi Level Planning in India constitutes an important part of the UPSC IAS Examination’s Geography Paper in the Mains and Prelims exam.

What is Rural Settlement?

Rural settlement refers to human habitations located in rural areas. These are situated away from urban centers. They are primarily agricultural in nature.

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What are the Patterns of Rural Settlements?

Rural settlement pattern refers to the arrangement and distribution of houses and settlements in rural areas. The rural settlement pattern is influenced by various geographical, social, economic, and cultural factors.

Characteristics of Rural Settlement Patterns

Some of the characteristics of the patterns of rural settlements include:

  • Rural settlements tend to be small in population compared to urban centers. They may consist of a few hundred to a few thousand inhabitants.
  • The economy of rural settlements is dominated by primary activities. This includes agriculture, animal husbandry, fishing, forestry, etc. Secondary and tertiary activities are limited.
  • The patterns of rural settlements have a close connection with and dependence on the surrounding land.
  • Rural settlement patterns generally lack basic facilities to the extent found in urban areas. This includes:
    • piped water supply, 
    • sanitation, 
    • electricity, 
    • healthcare, and 
    • educational institutions.
  • Rural society tends to be organized around traditional social structures. These include caste, community, clan, and kinship ties.
  • Rural settlements tend to be more self-sufficient, with production focused on meeting local consumption needs. 

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Classification of Rural Settlement Patterns

There are various ways in which rural settlement patterns can be classified:

Based on setting

Rural settlements can be classified based on the physical setting. This includes plateau villages, coastal villages, desert villages, plain villages, and forest villages.

Based on function

Rural settlements can be classified according to their primary occupation or function. This includes pastoral villages, farming villages, lumberjack villages, fishermen's villages, etc.

Based on shape or form

Rural settlements can be classified according to their shape or form. This includes:

  • Linear: Settlements located along rivers, canals, roads, railways, etc.
  • Rectangular: Settlements located in intermontane valleys or plains. Roads will be perpendicular to each other.
  • Circular: Settlements located around tanks and lakes with central accessibility.
  • Star-shaped: Settlements located along intersecting roads forming a star shape.
  • Cross-shaped, Y-shaped, or T-shaped: Settlements located at intersections or branches of roads.
  • Double village: Villages located on both sides of a river connected by a bridge or ferry.

Based on compactness

Rural settlements can be classified as:

  • Compact: Hamlets equal the number of villages.
  • Semi-compact: Villages exceed half the number of hamlets.
  • Hamleted: Villages equal half the number of hamlets.
  • Dispersed: Villages are less than half the number of hamlets.

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Patterns of Rural Settlements

The patterns of rural settlements rely on geographical, socio-economic, and cultural factors. 

Compact Settlements

  • Compact settlements have a high density of dwellings located close together. 
  • The total number of hamlets equals the total number of villages. 
  • Factors that promote compact settlements include:
    • Availability of fertile land in a small area.
    • Close social ties and support networks among residents.
    • Ease of providing basic amenities and services.
  • Compact settlements are found in the Malwa plateau of Punjab, parts of Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

Semi Compact Settlements

  • In semi compact settlements, the number of villages is more than half the number of hamlets.
  • Dwellings are not tightly clustered but concentrated in a particular area. 
  • Semi compact settlements occur due to the following:
    • Large land holdings leaving space between dwellings.
    • Less social cohesion compared to compact settlements.
  • They are found in plateaus and plains based on environmental conditions.

Hamleted Settlements

  • Hamleted settlements have an equal number of villages and hamlets. 
  • Hamlets are scattered around fields with little influence of central villages. They arise due to:
    • Small and scattered landholdings.
    • Influence of family and clan ties over village ties.
  • They are predominant in coastal plains, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal.

Dispersed Settlements

  • When a settlement has less than half the number of hamlets, it is dispersed. 
  • Houses are located far apart, scattered across farmlands. 
  • Factors promoting dispersed settlements include:
    • Traditional preferences for independent living.
    • Large land holdings.
  • They are common in Maharashtra, southern India, and hilly regions.

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Factors Influencing the Patterns of Rural Settlements

The factors that affect the patterns of rural settlements include:

  • Physical factors: Topography, climate, and availability of resources like water and land.
  • Economic factors: Occupation, livelihood patterns, and means of production.
  • Socio-cultural factors: Social organization, customs, religion, family structures, and cultural values.
  • Historical factors: Past settlement patterns, migration, and diffusion of people.
  • Technological factors: Development and use of new technologies impact settlements.

Problems of Patterns of Rural Settlements

Following are some of the problems of rural settlement patterns:

  • Rural dwellers have to travel long distances for drinking water leading to health hazards.
  • Lack of irrigation facilities affects crop patterns and livelihoods during droughts.
  • The absence of facilities like toilets and waste disposal causes health problems.
  • Thatch and mud houses require frequent maintenance. They are vulnerable to damage during floods.
  • Unmetalled roads and a lack of communication networks cause difficulties, especially during rain.
  • Inadequate infrastructure for large rural populations remains an issue.

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Conclusion

Rural settlement patterns reflect the diverse geographical and socio-economic realities of rural India. Studying these patterns helps identify issues faced by rural communities. Promoting balanced and inclusive rural growth through optimal utilization of rural resources and potential requires a holistic perspective that considers patterns of rural settlements.

We hope all your doubts regarding this topic would have been addressed now. Testbook provides study material for various competitive examinations. Ace your UPSC preparation by downloading the Testbook App!

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Patterns of Rural Settlements FAQs

The factors include:availability of water, fertile land, building materials, defence needs, and uplands resistant to flooding.

Rural settlements can be classified based on the setting:plateau villages, coastal villages, desert villages, plain villages, and forest villages.

They include:pastoral villages, farming villages, lumberjack villages, and fishermen’s villages.

The basic shapes include: linear, rectangular, circular, star-like, cross-shaped, Y-shaped, and double village patterns.

It assists in identifying specific challenges faced by rural communities. It aids in planning well-targeted rural development initiatives.
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