Settlements which grow along a road, river or canal for a mile or more are called

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) linear settlements
Explanation:
· A linear settlement is a type of settlement pattern where houses, shops, and other buildings are arranged in a long line.
· This pattern typically develops along a straight geographical or man-made feature such as a road, railway line, river, or canal.
· The formation of a linear settlement is driven by the advantages of having direct access to the transport route or water source, which is crucial for connectivity, trade, and daily life. 
Information Booster:
· In a linear settlement, the buildings often face the road, with agricultural land or other features extending behind the houses.
· The initial settlement usually grows up at a specific point along the transport route, such as a river crossing or waystation, and then expands along the length of the route.
· Over time, if cross-roads develop, a linear settlement might evolve into a different pattern, such as a T-shaped, cross-shaped, or even a nucleated settlement. 
Additional Knowledge: (a) rectangular settlements
· A rectangular settlement pattern is found in fertile plains or wide inter-mountain valleys where the roads are rectangular and intersect each other at right angles.
· The layout is often a result of systematic planning or land division, with houses arranged in a grid-like fashion. 
(c) square settlements
· A square settlement is a specific, compact form of a rectangular pattern, often found in agricultural regions where villages are planned systematically.
· A variation, the hollow square pattern, has an open space (e.g., a tank or playground) in the center. 
(d) hollow settlements
· The term hollow settlement typically refers to a square or rectangular settlement with an empty or open space in the center, which may contain a pond, temple, or other public utility.
· It is not a general term for settlements along a linear feature