Living Root Bridge,Meghalaya
๐Introduction:
The Living Root Bridge in Riwai village, near Mawlynnong in Meghalaya, isย a natural wonder created by the Khasi tribe by guiding the roots of rubber trees (Ficus elastica) across streams.ย These bridges, also known as Jingkieng Jri, are not just pathways but living sculptures that demonstrate a harmonious blend of human ingenuity and nature’s resilience.ย They are a testament to the sustainable lifestyle and cultural heritage of the region.ย The living root bridges are one of Meghalayaโs most beautiful tangible heritage sites. These sites have recently been added to the UNESCO world heritage site list. They are made of intertwined roots which are a sort of magic, but they arenโt imaginary. These bridges have been built for centuries by the indigenous people of the land(Khasis and the Jaintias). They have also been used by these people to cross the overflowing rivers during the monsoon season. Not only is it a naturally built ecosystem of local flora but it also symbolizes the relationship and knowledge that the local people have over their region and the cultural significance that it holds for them. Under ideal conditions, a root bridge is thought to be able to persist for hundreds of years. These bridges frequently rise 50 to 100 feet in the air. The stateโs longest living root bridge is said to be a whopping 175 feet in length. There are approximately 100 or so known living root bridges across different villages. Some of the most popular of these living root bridges are in Nongriat, Cherrapunji, Nongbareh and other nearby locations.
๐What is a living root bridge?
These are naturally built bridges mainly built by firstly planting two rubber trees of the Ficus elastica on either side of a river. These trees usually take about a decade to grow and generate secondary aerial roots. These roots can then be weaved to construct sturdy structures and then form enormous roots for reinforcement. Nongbareh: Next, the local bridge builders of the region would then direct the roots of the bridge by weaving a bamboo scaffolding. This scaffolding is used to gently push the aerial roots across the river until they are planted on the opposite side after being weaved onto it. Every two years, they change the bamboo scaffolding since the moisture and humidity might damage it. The roots ultimately become thicker and intertwine with those of a different tree on the other side. Over the period of 20 to 30 years, they continue to guide the roots on the existing bridges until the roots can stand on their own. At that point, you have live root bridges that must be continuously checked and cared for.
Best time to visit:ย Autumn & Winter (October to March)
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