Living root bridge woven from aerial Ficus roots spanning a mountain river, Meghalaya
Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya
Cherrapunji & Nongriat, Meghalaya, India
Aerial roots of Ficus elastica trees guided across mountain rivers over decades by the indigenous Khasi and Jaintia peoples.
Why It Matters & Living Continuity
In the rain-drenched subtropical cloud forests of the southern Meghalaya plateau, the indigenous Khasi and Jaintia communities developed a living architectural marvel: the Jingkieng Jri (Living Root Bridge). By hollowed betel-nut trunks, aerial roots of the Indian rubber fig (Ficus elastica) are guided across torrential monsoon streams. Over 15 to 30 years, the roots intertwine and anchor to boulders on opposite riverbanks. Unlike stone or wood bridges that decay under heavy rainfall, living root bridges become stronger and more resilient with age.
