Some people in Manipur live in houses built on floating islands of weeds and decaying vegetation held together by suspended silt. These are called:

Correct Option

Phumdis are unique floating islands composed of a heterogeneous mass of soil, vegetation, and organic matter in various stages of decomposition. These formations are characteristic of Loktak Lake in Manipur. Local communities construct houses and fishing huts, known as Phumsangs, on these phumdis. Loktak Lake, with its phumdis, is a vital wetland ecosystem and provides habitat for the endangered Sangai deer.

Incorrect Options

• Tipis: These are conical tents traditionally used by certain indigenous tribes of North America.
• Barkhans: These refer to crescent-shaped sand dunes formed by wind action, commonly found in desert regions.
• Izba: This term denotes traditional wooden peasant houses found in rural Russia.