Deserts: The Dry Expanses
Deserts are landforms with very little precipitation. They can be categorized into two types:
- Hot Deserts: High temperatures (e.g., Sahara in Africa, Thar in India).
- Cold Deserts: Freezing temperatures (e.g., Gobi in Asia, Antarctica).
Despite the harsh conditions, humans have shown great resilience, adapting to these environments through unique cultural traditions, folk songs, and nomadic lifestyles.
Ancient Perspectives: The Tamil Tiṇais
Ancient Indian culture had its own way of classifying land. In Tamil Sangam poetry, landscapes were divided into five tiṇais, each associated with a specific lifestyle and occupation.
The Five Tiṇais
| Tiṇai | Landscape | Main Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| Kuriñji | Mountainous regions | Hunting and gathering |
| Mullai | Grassland and forests | Cattle rearing |
| Marudam | Fertile agricultural plains | Farming |
| Neydal | Coastal regions | Fishing and seafaring |
| Pālai | Arid, desert-like regions | Journeying and fighting |
Note
These classifications show that even 2,000 years ago, people deeply understood the connection between the type of land and the way humans live.