Present a comparative analysis of geographical factors responsible for distribution of human settlements in Rajasthan desert and North-Eastern regions of India.

Geographical Factors Influencing Human Settlements in Rajasthan Desert

The Rajasthan desert, largely encompassing the Thar Desert, presents harsh geographical conditions that significantly constrain human settlement. Key factors include:

• Water Availability: The most critical factor. Settlements are concentrated around perennial rivers like the Luni, and artificial water sources like tanks (johads) and wells. The Indira Gandhi Canal has been instrumental in enabling settlements in previously uninhabitable areas.
• Climate: Extreme temperatures, low and erratic rainfall, and high evaporation rates limit agricultural potential and habitability.
• Topography: Sandy plains and dunes are less suitable for settlement compared to rocky outcrops and relatively flat areas.
• Soil: Sandy soils are infertile and lack moisture-retention capacity, impacting agricultural productivity.
• Vegetation: Sparse vegetation provides limited resources for sustenance and livelihood.

Consequently, settlements are typically small, scattered, and clustered around oases or water sources. Traditional housing utilizes local materials like mud and stone to provide insulation against the harsh climate.

Geographical Factors Influencing Human Settlements in North-Eastern Regions of India

The North-Eastern region, comprising eight states (the ‘Eight Sisters’), presents a contrasting geographical scenario. Factors influencing settlement patterns include:

• Rainfall: High rainfall and numerous rivers (Brahmaputra and its tributaries) provide ample water resources, supporting dense vegetation and agriculture.
• Topography: Hilly terrain and dense forests influence settlement patterns, leading to dispersed settlements along valleys and slopes. Terrace farming is common.
• Climate: Humid and warm climate supports agriculture and a variety of flora and fauna.
• Soil: Fertile alluvial and loamy soils are ideal for agriculture, particularly rice cultivation.
• Natural Resources: Rich biodiversity, including forests, minerals (coal in Assam, limestone in Meghalaya), and oil reserves, contribute to economic activities and settlement growth.

Settlements in the North-East are generally smaller and more dispersed than in other parts of India, reflecting the challenging terrain and the prevalence of subsistence agriculture. Traditional housing utilizes bamboo, wood, and thatch, adapted to the humid climate.

Comparative Analysis

Feature	Rajasthan Desert	North-Eastern Region
Water Availability	Scarce; settlements clustered around rivers, wells, and canals.	Abundant; settlements along rivers and valleys.
Climate	Hot and dry; extreme temperatures.	Warm and humid; high rainfall.
Topography	Sandy plains and dunes.	Hilly terrain and dense forests.
Soil	Sandy, infertile, and lacking moisture.	Alluvial and loamy, fertile and well-drained.
Settlement Pattern	Sparse, clustered, and concentrated.	Dispersed, linear, and along slopes.
Housing Materials	Mud, stone, and locally available materials.	Bamboo, wood, and thatch.

The contrasting geographical conditions have resulted in vastly different settlement patterns. Rajasthan’s settlements are a testament to human adaptation to extreme aridity, while the North-East’s settlements reflect a harmonious relationship with a resource-rich, but challenging, environment.