The dispersed rural settlements can be found predominantly in which of the following areas of India?
1. In the Bundelkhand region of central India
2. In the state of Chhattisgarh
3. In the lower plains of the River Ganga
4. In the hilly states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh
Select the CORRECT answer using the code given below:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. 4 only.
Dispersed or isolated settlements consist of scattered houses in hills, forests, or extensive farmlands. In India, this pattern is predominantly found in the hilly states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of the Northeast due to the rugged terrain and fragmented nature of resources. In contrast, the Ganga plains and Chhattisgarh are known for clustered or nucleated settlements due to fertile soil and water availability, while Bundelkhand often features semi-clustered patterns driven by security and water needs.