Some people in Manipur live in houses built on floating islands of weeds and decaying vegetation held together by suspended silt. These islands are called
- ATipis
- BBarkhans
- CPhoomdisCorrect
- DIzba
Explanation
The correct answer is C because Phoomdis or Phumdis are unique floating landmasses found specifically in Loktak Lake, Manipur. They are heterogeneous masses of vegetation, soil, and organic matter in various stages of decay. These floating islands are thick enough to support the construction of huts by local fishermen and are also home to the Keibul Lamjao National Park, which is the only floating national park in the world.
Options A, B, and D are incorrect for the following reasons: Tipis are conical tents traditionally used by indigenous peoples of the North American Plains. Barkhans are crescent-shaped sand dunes formed by wind action in deserts. Izba refers to a traditional Russian countryside dwelling or log house.

Related questions
More UPSC Prelims practice from the same subject and topic.
- Prelims 1998GS1geography
Which one of the following sets of states stands to benefit the most from the Konkan Railway?
- Prelims 1998GS1geography
Which one of the following east flowing rivers of India has rift valley due to down warping?
- Prelims 1998GS1geography
Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List I (Minerals) (Mining area) I. Graphite A) Bellary II. Lead B) Didwana III. Salt C) Rampa IV. Silver …
- Prelims 1998GS1geography
Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List I (Agricultural products) (Foremost producer) I. Cotton A) Madhya Pradesh II. Gram B) Gujarat III. B…
- Prelims 1998GS1geography
What is the correct sequence of the following Indian states in descending order of their length of surface roads per 100 km² of their area? I. Haryana II. Maharashtra III. Punjab IV. Tamil Nadu Select…
- Prelims 1998GS1geography
Olympics 2000 is to be held in