Which of the following criteria of classification of rural settlement is based on geometrical shapes?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Forms
Rural settlements can be grouped on the basis of their setting, their functions and their forms or shapes. Only the last one deals with geometrical shapes.
Option (1) Functions — Incorrect. On the basis of functions, there are farming villages, fishermen’s villages, lumberjack villages, pastoral villages and so on.
Option (2) Setting — Incorrect. On the basis of setting, there are plain villages, plateau villages, coastal villages, forest villages and desert villages.
Option (3) Location — Incorrect. There is no such criterion in this classification.
Option (4) Forms — Correct. On the basis of forms or shapes, villages have geometrical forms such as linear, rectangular, circular, star like, T-shaped and cross-shaped.
Note: This question is taken from the pre-rationalised NCERT book. The latest edition (2026-27) does not have this part. An extract of the pre-rationalised NCERT book is given below for the benefit of students.
Pre-rationalised NCERT: “Rural settlements may be classified on the basis of a number of criteria: (i) On the basis of setting: The main types are plain villages, plateau villages, coastal villages, forest villages and desert villages. (ii) On the basis of functions: There may be farming villages, fishermen’s villages, lumberjack villages, pastoral villages etc. (iii) On the basis of forms or shapes of the settlements: These may be a number of geometrical forms and shapes such as Linear, rectangular, circular star like, T-shaped village, double village, cross-shaped village etc.” |