Consider the following characteristics of houses:
A. Wooden floors and flat wooden ceilings B. Ground floor without windows used for animals and storage C. Elevated houses with sloping roofs and stone pillars D. Thick walls made of stone, mud and lime
The characteristics found in houses of Leh and Ladakh are:

Correct option is C

Correct Answer: (c) A, B and D
Explanation:
Houses in Leh and Ladakh are specially designed for extremely cold climates:
• Wooden floors and ceilings A) help in insulation and warmth • Ground floor without windows B) is used for cattle and storage, helping retain heat • Thick stone and mud walls D) prevent heat loss
The houses are not elevated on pillars like houses in flood-prone or rainy areas, so option C is incorrect.
Additional Information:
• Cold desert regions require heat-retaining structures • Small or no windows reduce heat escape • Stone and mud act as natural insulators