Human Settlements Class 12 Geography Chapter 2 CBSE Notes 2025-26

Human settlements are groups of people living together in houses or buildings within a certain area, using that space for their livelihood and daily life. These settlements range in size from tiny hamlets to large metropolitan cities, with each type differing in economic activities, social structure, use of technology, and ecological impact. Smaller, scattered settlements are known as villages and typically rely on agriculture or other primary sectors for sustenance, while larger, closely packed urban settlements engage in industries, manufacturing, and services.

Differences between Rural and Urban Settlements The most significant distinction between rural and urban settlements is their economic foundation. Rural areas are sustained by land-based primary activities like farming, whereas urban areas thrive on secondary and tertiary activities, such as industries and services. 

Cities not only support their own population but also connect with rural regions by providing goods and services and receiving food and raw materials in return. Socially, rural communities are less mobile, with more personal and intimate relationships, while urban life is faster-paced, and social connections are more formal.

Types of Rural Settlements Rural settlements in India come in various forms, majorly influenced by natural features like terrain, water availability, and climate, as well as cultural factors and security needs. Settlements can be compact (clustered), fragmented (semi-clustered), split into small units (hamleted), or widely scattered (dispersed). Compact or clustered settlements—common in the northern plains and northeastern states—feature houses built close together, often for security or due to fertile lands. 

Semi-clustered settlements are formed when a compact settlement splits, typically with dominant communities at the center and marginalized groups at the edge; these are widespread in the Gujarat plains and parts of Rajasthan. Hamleted settlements, such as those split into groups called panna or dhani, arise due to social or ethnic divisions and are frequent in regions like the Ganga plain, Chhattisgarh, and the lower Himalayas. 

Dispersed settlements, visible as isolated huts or hamlets in remote areas, are caused by difficult terrain and fragmented land holdings, mainly found in areas like Meghalaya, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Kerala.

Urban Settlements and their Definition Urban settlements are usually more extensive and densely packed compared to rural settlements. Cities serve as centers for non-agricultural, administrative, and economic functions, establishing strong ties with surrounding rural regions.

According to the Census of India (1991), a place is labeled as "urban" if it has a municipality or similar body, at least 5,000 residents, 75% or more male workers in non-agricultural jobs, and a population density of at least 400 people per square kilometer.

Evolution of Towns in India Towns in India have evolved over thousands of years, with distinct phases: ancient, medieval, and modern. Ancient towns, like Varanasi and Patna, have histories spanning over two millennia and often serve religious or cultural functions. About 100 existing towns originated in the medieval period, serving as principal administrative or fort towns; examples include Delhi, Jaipur, and Lucknow. 

Modern towns emerged with European influence—trading ports established by the Portuguese, French, and British (like Goa, Pondicherry, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata). After independence, cities like Chandigarh and Bhilai developed as industrial or administrative centers, and many satellite towns such as Ghaziabad and Gurugram arose to support larger urban agglomerations.

Urbanisation in India: Growth and Trends Urbanisation is expressed as the percentage of the population living in urban areas. As of 2011, urban dwellers made up 31.16% of India’s population, significantly lower than that of many developed nations. The urban population has expanded elevenfold during the 20th century, with a notable rise in the number of towns and cities. However, the pace of urbanisation has decreased in recent decades.

India – Trends of Urbanisation 1901-2011

Year	Number of Towns/UAs	Urban Population (in 000s)	% of Total Population	Decennial Growth (%)
1901	1,827	25,851.9	10.84	—-
1911	1,815	25,941.6	10.29	0.35
1921	1,949	28,086.2	11.18	8.27
1931	2,072	33,456.0	11.99	19.12
1941	2,250	44,153.3	13.86	31.97
1951	2,843	62,443.7	17.29	41.42
1961	2,365	78,936.6	17.97	26.41
1971	2,590	109,114	19.91	38.23
1981	3,378	159,463	23.34	46.14
1991	4,689	217,611	25.71	36.47
2001	5,161	285,355	27.78	31.13
2011*	6,171	377,000	31.16	31.08

*Source: Census of India, 2011 (Provisional)

Functional Classification of Towns in India Indian towns and cities often specialize in specific functions, although many become known for one prominent feature. The main types include administrative towns (like Chandigarh and New Delhi), industrial towns (such as Mumbai and Jamshedpur), transport cities (for example, Kandla and Itarsi), commercial towns, mining towns, garrison (cantonment) towns, educational centers (like Varanasi, Aligarh), religious/cultural towns (such as Varanasi and Haridwar), and tourist destinations (like Shimla and Mount Abu). Cities can shift roles or add more functions over time, often becoming multi-functional due to economic growth and urban expansion.

• Administrative towns: Chandigarh, New Delhi
• Industrial towns: Mumbai, Bhilai
• Transport hubs: Kandla, Vishakhapatnam, Itarsi
• Educational centers: Roorki, Pilani
• Religious/cultural towns: Mathura, Amritsar, Madurai
• Tourist towns: Ooty, Mussoorie

Smart Cities Mission India’s Smart Cities Mission aims to develop urban centers with efficient infrastructure, clean environments, and a high quality of life through the use of smart solutions. These include disaster resilience, better resource management, and cost-effective public services. The program focuses on sustainable and inclusive development to create model cities that inspire similar progress in other urban regions.

Exercise Corner: Sample Questions For quick self-assessment, here are some common question types:

• Which town is NOT located on a river bank? (e.g., Agra, Bhopal, Patna, Kolkata)
• Which point does NOT belong to the Census definition of a town?
• In what kind of terrain might you find dispersed rural settlements?
• What are garrison towns and their functions?
• Discuss factors influencing village locations in desert regions.
• Explain why cities often become multi-functional.

Summary Understanding the diversity and nature of human settlements—rural to urban, ancient to modern—helps us appreciate India’s dynamic social landscape. Factors such as physical environment, historical events, economic opportunities, and government policies shape how and where people live and work. As urbanisation grows and modern initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission unfold, India’s settlement patterns will continue to evolve.

Class 12 Geography Chapter 2 Notes – Human Settlements: Complete NCERT Revision

These revision notes for CBSE Class 12 Geography Chapter 2 – Human Settlements offer clear explanations and up-to-date data to help students prepare for board exams. Covering differences between rural and urban settlements, types of town functions, and trends in urbanisation, these notes support fast and effective last-minute revision.

With a structured layout matching the NCERT Books Content, these notes summarise facts, tables, and important classifications essential for CBSE Class 12. Students can rely on this resource to recall key points on Human Settlements and ensure conceptual clarity just before the exam.