The Gujjar cattle herders, who are a nomadic pastoral community, live in "mandaps" made of "ringal" - a type of hill bamboo - and grass. Let's explore this in more detail.

Introduction and Background:
The Gujjar community is primarily found in the northern and western regions of India, including the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan. They are traditionally nomadic herders who rear cattle and move from one place to another in search of grazing lands for their animals.

Explanation:
The Gujjar cattle herders live in "mandaps," which are temporary shelters made of locally available materials like ringal and grass. These mandaps serve as their homes during their stay in a particular area. Here is a detailed explanation of the living arrangements of Gujjar cattle herders:

Mandaps:
- Mandaps are constructed using a combination of ringal, a type of hill bamboo, and grass.
- The ringal serves as the primary structural element, providing stability and support to the shelter.
- The grass is used to thatch the roof and walls, providing insulation and protection from the elements.
- The mandaps are typically circular or oval-shaped, with a low height and a sloping roof.
- The construction of mandaps is a traditional skill passed down through generations, with the knowledge of building techniques and materials being handed down from older members of the community to the younger ones.

Advantages of Mandaps:
- Mandaps are lightweight and portable, allowing the Gujjar cattle herders to dismantle and relocate their shelters easily.
- The use of locally available materials makes mandaps cost-effective and sustainable.
- The design of mandaps allows for proper ventilation and natural lighting, creating a comfortable living environment for the herders and their cattle.
- The grass thatching provides insulation, keeping the interior cool during hot summers and warm during cold winters.
- The circular or oval shape of mandaps helps to minimize wind resistance, making them more stable in windy regions.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Gujjar cattle herders live in mandaps made of ringal and grass. These temporary shelters provide them with a suitable living environment while they move from one grazing land to another. The use of locally available materials, traditional construction techniques, and the portability of mandaps make them well-suited for the nomadic lifestyle of the Gujjar community.