Living Root Bridges: Bioengineering by Khasi Communities

Category: Environment & Ecology / Tribal Culture / Traditional Knowledge

  • Living Root Bridges are unique structures created by guiding the aerial roots of rubber fig trees.
  • They are especially associated with the Khasi and Jaintia communities of Meghalaya.
  • The roots are trained over streams and gradually form strong, living bridges.
  • Unlike conventional bridges, they continue to grow and strengthen over time.
  • They represent an outstanding example of traditional ecological knowledge and nature-based engineering.
  • They are also important cultural and tourist attractions of Meghalaya.

Key Pointer: Living Root Bridges → Meghalaya → Khasi/Jaintia → Rubber fig roots → Bioengineering