Living Root Bridge

A living root bridge is a type of simple suspension bridge formed of living plant roots by tree shaping. They are common in the southern part of the Northeast Indian state of Meghalaya. They are handmade from the aerial roots of rubber fig trees (Ficus elastica) by the Khasi and Jaintia peoples of the mountainous terrain along the southern part of the Shillong Plateau. Most of the bridges grow on steep slopes of subtropical moist broadleaf forest between 50m and 1150m above sea level.

Living root bridge

Double living root bridge in East Khasi Hills

CrossesCreeksCharacteristicsMaterialLiving trees roots tapu and sonuTrough constructionRocksTotal lengthover 50 metersWidthover 1.5 metersDesign lifeup to 500 years History Architect Meghalayan

A living root bridge near the village of Kongthong undergoing repairs. The local War Khasis in the photo are using the young, pliable aerial roots of a fig tree to create a new railing for the bridge.

As long as the tree from which it is formed remains healthy, the roots in the bridge can naturally grow thick and strengthen. New roots can grow throughout the tree's life and must be pruned or manipulated to strengthen the bridge. Once mature some bridges can have as many as 50 or more people crossing, and have a lifespan of up to 150 years.  Without active care, many bridges have decayed or grown wild, becoming unusable.Root bridges have also been observed in the Indian state of Nagaland.

Living root bridges have also been created in Indonesia at Jembatan akar on the island of Sumatra, and in the Banten province of Java, by the Baduy people.