NCERT Class 12 Geography (India People and Economy) Chapter 2: Human Settlements PDF

Human settlements are one of the oldest forms of social living. Chapter 2 of the NCERT Class 12 Geography textbook India: People and Economy covers this important topic in detail. The chapter is titled Human Settlements and explains how people have built different types of settlements in different regions, depending on factors like geography, climate,

Human settlements are one of the oldest forms of social living. Chapter 2 of the NCERT Class 12 Geography textbook India: People and Economy covers this important topic in detail. The chapter is titled Human Settlements and explains how people have built different types of settlements in different regions, depending on factors like geography, climate, availability of water, economic activity and more. It covers both rural and urban settlements, their types, features, and challenges.

I’m writing this article because understanding human settlements is essential not just for board exams but also for grasping how India’s towns and villages have developed over time. Whether it’s planning a smart city, improving sanitation in a rural area, or designing transport networks, everything starts with knowing how and where people live. This chapter helps students connect textbook knowledge with real-world planning and development. Plus, it’s part of many competitive exams. I’ve also included the official NCERT PDF download link below so that you can easily access the chapter and revise it directly from the source.

What Is a Human Settlement?

A human settlement is a place where people live and carry out their daily activities like farming, trading, working, and interacting with others. Settlements may be temporary (like seasonal camps) or permanent (like villages and cities).

There are two main types of settlements:

1. Rural Settlements

These are mostly small in size and based on primary activities like farming, fishing, and forestry.

Types of rural settlements:

Clustered: Houses are grouped together (common in northern plains).
Semi-clustered: Smaller groups formed due to social or physical factors.
Dispersed: Scattered houses, often in hilly or tribal areas.
Hamleted: A larger village divided into small hamlets.

Challenges faced:

Poor sanitation
Lack of clean drinking water
Poor connectivity and transport
Inadequate healthcare and education

2. Urban Settlements

These are larger, more densely populated, and based on secondary and tertiary activities like manufacturing, services, and administration.

Classification of urban areas:

Town: Smaller than a city, with basic facilities
City: Bigger, with more infrastructure
Metropolitan: Over 1 million population
Mega City: Over 5 million population (e.g., Mumbai, Delhi)

Problems in urban areas:

Traffic congestion
Slums and housing shortages
Water scarcity
Pollution
Waste management issues

Growth of Settlements in India

The pattern of settlement in India has been shaped by:

Geography: Rivers, plains, hills
Climate: People prefer moderate climates
History: Old civilisations near rivers like the Indus and Ganga
Economy: Cities grow faster near industries and ports

India’s urban population has grown rapidly in the last few decades. As per the 2011 Census, about 31% of India’s population lived in urban areas, and this number is increasing every year.

Smart Cities Mission

Launched in 2015, the Smart Cities Mission aims to improve urban infrastructure and provide a better quality of life. This is one modern example of planning human settlements.

Download PDF: NCERT Class 12 Geography Chapter 2 – Human Settlements

To help with your studies, here is the direct link to the official NCERT PDF:

NCERT Class 12 Geography (India People and Economy) Chapter 2: Human Settlements

NCERT Class 10 Math Chapter 14: प्रायिकता PDF Download

NCERT Class 10 Math Chapter 14 प्रायिकता (Probability) introduces students to the concept of chance and likelihood of events. In this chapter, students learn how to calculate the probability of simple events using the formula P(E) = Number of favourable outcomes ÷ Total number of outcomes. The chapter deals with real-life examples like tossing a

NCERT Class 10 Math Chapter 14 प्रायिकता (Probability) introduces students to the concept of chance and likelihood of events. In this chapter, students learn how to calculate the probability of simple events using the formula P(E) = Number of favourable outcomes ÷ Total number of outcomes. The chapter deals with real-life examples like tossing a coin, rolling a dice, or drawing cards, which makes the subject more interesting and practical. Since probability questions are common in board exams and are generally considered easy, this chapter is highly important for scoring well.

I am writing about this topic because probability is not only an important part of the Class 10 syllabus but also a concept that students will use in higher studies and real life. From predicting weather conditions to calculating risks in business, probability plays a key role. Many students initially find it confusing, but NCERT presents it in a simple and easy-to-understand manner. By practising from the NCERT book, students can build a strong foundation and develop confidence in solving probability problems. Having the PDF makes it easier for learners to access the chapter anytime, revise formulas, and attempt practice questions before exams.