Root Bridges

The root bridges are common in the north eastern states. Dr. Sandy from Shillong refers to it as an expression of the ingenuity of local people to tame the nature to their advantage.

Amy and Arpit took Anna and myself to one of such bridges, which is over a river . The bridge is about 60 feet long and is presumed to have a history of at least 100 years. The stretching and moulding of the roots take place over a period of time, a few years, reinforced by trees from the adjacent areas, made to turn their direction by applying a traction force.

This taming is architecturally a complex process needing much engineering skills, often done by village craftsmen who transfer the skills trans-generationally. Most of the bridges have a design of hanging bridges and are supported by cluster of roots intertwined to provide strength. As these roots are exposed without much soil between them, the roots change in their habitat and become trunks of trees to get their nutrition. 

These bridges are located in the hilly areas, which have normally no road access. So any construction of formal bridges using modern construction materials will be ordinarily difficult. These bridges are the only connecting links between villages. It is common to see people carrying a load over their back, which is strapped to their abdomen , for whom these root bridges are vital.

We are in danger of losing traditional skills of craftsmen, as less men are keen to engage in acquiring them. We tend to replace the ancient methods by modern approaches which threaten people from making a livelihood, because of which they abandon their traditional trade practices. 

To me these are master pieces of art and engineering. The people of the north east have a lot to teach us about living in a community, tribal culture, child rearing practices, etc. As they move to the main land of India in search of jobs, there is a fear that some of these distinctive features of north east culture will be lost over a period of time. 

Let us feel proud of people of all backgrounds, who contribute to India's diversity. Ours is a nation of people, who left behind an ancient civilization of much wisdom.

M.C.Mathew(text an photo)