Answer: A triangular settlement develops at the meeting point of rivers or roads, while a circular settlement develops around a central feature such as a lake, tank or fort.
| Point | Triangular settlement | Circular settlement |
|---|
| Location | At the confluence of two rivers or at the junction of roads. | Around a lake, tank, temple, fort or open ground. |
| Shape | Triangular; the rivers/roads form two sides and expansion is limited. | Circular or ring-like; houses surround the central feature. |
| Growth | Grows along the rivers/roads away from the meeting point. | Grows outwards in all directions around the centre. |
| Reason | Facility of water and transport at the junction. | Water supply, defence or religious importance of the centre. |
| Example | Settlements at the confluence of rivers, e.g. Prayagraj region. | Villages around tanks in Tamil Nadu; settlements around lakes. |