Identify the characteristics of compact or nucleated settlements:
A. Houses are built very close to each other.
B. Communities share common occupation.
C. Mainly found in fertile plains.
D. Houses are interspersed with fields.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → (A), (B), (C) only
In a compact or nucleated settlement, many houses stand close together in one cluster, apart from the fields around it.
(A) Houses are built very close to each other. — Correct. This is the basic feature of a compact settlement: a closely built-up area of houses.
(B) Communities share common occupation. — Correct. People living so close together form closely knit communities and share common occupations.
(C) Mainly found in fertile plains. — Correct. Such settlements develop along river valleys and in fertile plains.
(D) Houses are interspersed with fields. — Incorrect. This is a feature of dispersed settlements, where houses are spaced far apart with fields between them.
Note: Statements (B) and (D) are 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.
NCERT (2026-27): “Clustered Settlements … The clustered rural settlement is a compact or closely built up area of houses. In this type of village the general living area is distinct and separated from the surrounding farms, barns and pastures. The closely built-up area and its intervening streets present some recognisable pattern or geometric shape, such as rectangular, radial, linear, etc. Such settlements are generally found in fertile alluvial plains and in the northeastern states.”
Pre-rationalised NCERT: “(i) Compact or Nucleated settlements: These settlements are those in which large number of houses are built very close to each other. Such settlements develop along river valleys and in fertile plains. Communities are closely knit and share common occupations.” “(ii) Dispersed Settlements: In these settlements, houses are spaced far apart and often interspersed with fields. A cultural feature such as a place of worship or a market, binds the settlement together.” |