Type denotes ‘the relationship between settlements within space’ (Doxiadis, 1968, p. 33). It is the characteristic grouping of rural dwellings in that well ‘defined parcel of the ground which is known as mauz. (Ahmad, E., 1965, p. 270).
Depending upon the size, distribution, layout, patterning and functions of dwellings rural settlements are grouped under two broad types: (1) isolated or dispersed where dwellings are isolated from each other; and (2) agglomerated, nucleated, clustered or compact showing compact block of dwellings with narrow winding streets separating the two rows of houses.
A number of intermediate types like semi-compact, helmeted or fragmented may be identified between the two extremes. R.B. Singh (1975, pp. 32-33) has suggested a scheme to determine settlement types taking into account the number of villages (Vn), number of hamlets (Hn) and occupancy units (OUn). If the Vn is equal to Hn in an area unit (adalat panchayat), the settlement has been termed as compact; if less than half of the Hn it is dispersed; and if more than half of the Hn it is semi-compact.
(1) Compact Settlements
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Compact settlements have been the characteristic feature of whole of the Ganga valley from Punjab in the west to West Bengal in the east. Elsewhere it is also a common type in Assam, Tripura, coastal Orissa, and Mahanadi basins in Chhattisgarh, Kaveri and Vaigai basin of South India, Maidan districts of Karnataka and Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh.
These are rectangular or shapeless wherein streets criss-cross at different angles forming alis and galis. Here security, fertile soils, need for co-operative labour in agriculture have been the main factors promoting nucleation. Within the settlement there is social segregation between different castes and in many cases caste- based hamlets appear at some distance from the main basti within the revenue limit of the village.
(2) Semi-Compact Settlements
These are the outcome of the interplay of both centripetal and centrifugal forces representing the intermediary type between clustered and dispersed settlements (Tiwari, 1984, p. 87). These are marked by the presence of one easily recognisable site (main basti) and one, two or more small hamlets closely linked with the main site by foot-paths or cart-tracks (Blache, 1952, p. 300). These hamlets represent either an outgrowth from the central nucleus due to the increasing pressure of population or the inhabitations of later immigrants who came to earn their livelihood by working as agricultural labourers or low caste people segregated by erstwhile social taboos.
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Such settlements are well marked in the north-western parts of the lower Ganga-Yamuna Doab, Khadarplains and ravine lands of the Yamuna River. The hamlet forming process started during the medieval period in which return of normalcy during the British period and land reforms and transport development during post-Independence period have played boosting effects.
(3) Hamleted Settlements
These settlements are characterised by the presence of several smaller hamlets and separate individual habitations spreading over the entire/nauza (Singh, 1965, p. 53). In these loosely connected settlements a street pattern is generally lacking and the straggling residences are separated by intervening cultivated fields (James, 1932). They are attributed to old kings, local chiefs and zamindars, etc who founded new villages to commemorate their memories or advanced grants to establish separate purwa or toli for various castes especially untouchables.
Such settlements generally occupy the transition zone between compact and dispersed settlements. In India they are well marked in the eastern part of the Ganga-Ghaghara Doab, southern part of the Trans-Ghaghara plains and Vindhyan uplands. On an average the number of hamlets is 5 or 6 but at times it also reaches 50 or 60.
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(4) Dispersed Settlements
Such settlements are a common feature of the undulating, hilly and forested tracts of the country. Here houses are generally placed on hillocks or knolls overlooking the fields along the hill slopes. They are generally associated with the tribal communities in north Bengal, Chota Nagpur Plateau, Central India; hilly areas of the Himalayas and eastern states; Western Ghats (from Satara to Kerala); western Malwa Plateau; Thar desert (Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Barmer districts) etc. In Uttar Pradesh- Uttaranchal such settlements are found distributed in lower Himalayan region, Doon valley, Bhabhar region, Siwalik range, plateau uplands south of the Son river and Khadar areas of the Ganga and Ghaghara plains (Ahmad, E” 1952, pp. 223-246).