Katie Hunt

In the mountainous state of Meghalaya in India lives a truly fascinating phenomenon——living bridges.These suspension bridges have been cultivated (培育)over many years.

The bridges over rivers are essential for local people.They allow people living in these isolated areas to travel.Without the bridges,access to essential services,medical treatment and school education would be extremely difficult.Villagers are also able to use the bridges to travel to different areas to buy and sell products.The bridges are made from the aerial roots（氣生根）of living banyan fig trees,which are then twisted（扭曲）into shape.In this mountainous northeastern region,over 100 bridges have been created in 70 villages.

Building roads in these regions is not possible.This is due to the terrain（地形）being mountainous,with dense jungle and waterfalls making any kind of permanent road structures impossible.This is where creating living bridges,using the natural resources of the area,is the most practical option.

Unlike conventional bridges,the Indian living bridges grow stronger with time.When they were first constructed,these bridges only allowed 15 to 20 people to cross a day.After many years,the roots have strengthened,and can hold upwards of 50 people in one day.Some bridges are estimated to be more than 500 years old.

Khasi people had a practical outlook and created a culture which was unique,sustainable and eco-friendly.Inheriting a culture deeply rooted in the environment,the people developed a living architecture that was found nowhere else in terms of its application and philosophy.

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What can we know about the Indian living bridges?