Search
Double living bridge Arshiya Urveeja Bose.
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.
High in the northeastern corner of India, in the State of Meghalaya, are living bridges made from the roots of rubber fig trees. They are an amazing example of man-made, but wholly natural architecture and engineering.
The area where they can be found is in the mountainous foothills of the Himalayas. The moist and remote environment is considered the wettest region on earth with monsoons periods and persistent drizzle. Many Khasi tribal villages built on steep hillsides along the rivers have no road access but over the years, a system of paths and bridges has developed.
This system includes living bridges, some made entirely from the aerial roots and vines of the rubber fig trees that grow on rocks along the rivers. Most have no nails and no metal. Some have a bamboo scaffold, but all depend on nature and moisture.
Rangthylliang Village, East Khasi Hills Elbowmacaroni.
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
Older bridges are said to be 600 to 700 years old but without maintenance, those will die. The suspension bridges require active care by the local people who must select healthy roots and weave them into the structure. Sometimes roots will bind together, others must be guided, tied or twisted into place. It can take between 45 to 70 years to construct a bridge that will bear weight but as long as the Khasi villagers remain vigilant in protecting the structure, they will grow stronger.
The next challenge is to limit the number of tourists who wish to view and walk the bridges—these bridges that were not constructed for heavy traffic but as a way to connect villages throughout the land.
For more information watch India: The Living Bridges | ARTE Documentary and read Living Tree Bridges In A Land Of Clouds.
