Off Beat Root Bridges : Rangthylliang and Mawkyrnot
Hello all,
“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” – Marcus Garvey
We came across the amazing culture of East Khasi and Jaintia hills in our recent trip to Meghalaya – Living Root bridges, locally known as Jing Kieng Jri. This culture is not a hidden gem. It is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. It is the culture we should feel proud of…It is the culture we should respect and the culture we need to preserve and promote. The locals are doing their best to do the same, mainly our guide, Mr Morning Star, and his team, who are doing exceptional work through the Living Root Bridge Foundation in maintaining and promoting Living Bridges throughout the state and internationally.
There are many well known bridges including Double Decker in Nongriat. But Yes! We visited lesser-known root bridges.
What is the history of the root bridges, and how did they build them?
The living root bridges are suspension bridges made by training and shaping the Ficus elastica tree (rubber) roots. They need trees which are at least 10-15 years old. They tie roots to the bamboo scaffolding over the rivers or streams. It takes 10-20 years to mature the roots and form secondary roots, and it starts to take the shape of a bridge. Any person who crosses the bridge has to bend, weave to tie the loose end of the roots, and stare to strengthen the bridge. Once the roots are stronger and bridge is in properly formed with an adequate skeletal structure they might put some stone or planks in between the grids formed by roots to provide more stability and for comfortable walk. Once mature the bridges are so strong that they can take 50 people at a time.
Meanwhile they have to change bamboo scaffolding every 2-3 years. According to locals, if they find any method to preserve bamboo for a much longer time, the process will be much faster. So the question comes to mind is why they needed such bridges? Meghalaya is a state with heavy rainfall, dense and steep forests and rivers and streams with fast currents, and high humidity, with few of the wettest places on our planet. Maintaining bridges from iron, wood, bamboo or steel becomes challenging. These living root bridges are architectural marvels with perfect examples of symbiotic relationship between humans and Mother Nature. They are symbols of harmonious affair between Khasi people and their surrounding nature. At present there are approximately 100 bridges scattered in 72 villages in Meghalaya. Few of the are located in Nagaland also. According to our guide there might be many more hidden bridges in deep forests.
Why the roots of the Ficus elastica tree?
Because they are solid and flexible roots that can harden with exposure to moisture, they also have aerial roots, which further help strengthen the bridge and absorb oxygen from the air. The result is a beautiful framework with anastomosing roots, and it is undoubtedly amazing to see the foresight of the people in those days! Once formed, they can be used for many decades if the trees are healthy.
We hear the term “Baubotanik architecture” now, which is an approach to forming structures with the help of living plants. But people of Khasi and Jaintia tribes have been doing it for many centuries. Isn’t it exceptional and extraordinarily magnificent? These people love and worship nature, and they have their love and intimacy to the next level with skill and knowledge. Who made them first? We don’t know, but the earliest written record is found in the 1844 Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal.
This art is more than 500-600 years old, and as it takes many years to form these bridges, it is difficult to make new, recent ones. Still, Mr Morning Start has started developing two new bridges. Not only bridges, he has begun developing ladders, sitting platforms, and swings. We have seen one platform just after the entrance on the Rangthylliang trail.
The bridge’s maintenance depends on humans and nature, as these are part of the living ecosystem. As long as the trees are healthy, they can be self-strengthening. They also stabilize the hill slopes and prevent soil erosion in areas known for heavy rainfall. We talk about sustainable building materials now, but we have had them for ages! The root bridge is the perfect example of this. But all these also require simultaneous human efforts. Changing bamboo and wooden reinforcement periodically in the initial stage is necessary. Over the years, people have had to guide their roots until they could stand independently. They must be checked regularly. People who started building the bridges might not see the wonderful wonders they have created. It takes more than one generation to construct these wonders…The local people are indeed preserving this culture and the atavistic remnants of their ancestors.
Rangthylliang and Mawkyrnot bridges:
This village has at least 16-18 root bridges, and the first five are frequently visited with proper trails. These are the regions with the highest density of living root bridges. Both these villages are located near the town of Pynursla. Our trail started from Mawkyrnot village. The major attractions are the first five bridges. However, there are many more if you continue to go further.
When you enter from Mawkyrnot village, you must climb down approximately 1600 steps. The steps are built adequately so you feel energized even after these many steps.
And then you will come across the first magic miracle…yes, the longest root bridge in the world…
Rangthylliang 1:
The first thing that came to my mind was , how can someone make such exquisite structure! This bridge, living bridge was breathing same air as us, in the equally thrilling environment.
This bridge is also known as the Mawkyrnot Bridge. It is the world’s longest-living root bridge, with a single span of 53 feet. The bridge is over the stream, which forms the boundary between Mawkyrnot and Rangthylliang villages. The height of the bridge is approximately 30 meters. The rails are not of living roots but bamboo, which may be some hybrid formation. It is mentioned that up to three persons should cross the bridge at a time. We were spellbound to see the craftsmanship of these bridges. We were too wonderstruck even to put a foot on the bridge!
Rangthylliang 2:
This bridge is just beside the Rangthylliang one and looks older than the first one. It is relatively big, with a beautiful fall in its backdrop. This bridge extends beyond the valley in adjacent boulders. I thought it was another bridge, but then my guide showed me the extension of the second bridge only.
Rangthylliang 3:
This is a relatively short one, and it is over the small stream which joins the mainstream. We had our lunch under this bridge while returning, and it was one of the best meals of our lives! We had it in the traditional Khasi way in leaf. Thanks to our guide for making this day extra memorable for us…
All these bridges are in vicinity, and some people return from here. But the excellent trails starts here with a narrow path and beautiful views of Khasi hills.
Rangthylliang 4:
It is a tiny bridge that comes along the way. It is so tiny that you might not even notice.
Rangthylliang 5: (Triple Decker)
It is a form of double-decker as the third span is not visible. The lower second span is also damaged because of the fallen tree, and it is no longer operational.
However, the real thrill is crossing the upper span, approximately 77 feet and possibly the tallest living root bridge. There is a small platform at the start of the bridge made from roots only. The river under the bridge is Wah Mawlong.
We were speechless seeing these bridges. Kids were flabbergasted, and they crossed the bridges again and again. I smelled the fragrance of forest. I inhaled so deeply that my lungs were full, and then a exhaled with a sigh. A sigh of satisfaction, a sigh of fulfilment! The page and its surroundings touch your souls so deeply that you feel overwhelmed, as if spirits of all people who have made even tinniest efforts in making these bridges are thanking you for appreciating. I have fallen in love with this place and it’s architectural wonders!
How to get to Mawkyrnot / Rangthylliang village?
The nearest town is Pynursla
Distance: 78 km From Shillong Airport.
162km From Guwahati Airport.
Points to consider:
- Do not litter. Almost all living root bridges are accessible through forest hikes, and we are responsible for maintaining the trails.
- Take the help of the locals. This way, we can motivate them to maintain these biological wonders and architectural gems.
- Listen to your guides and follow them unthinkingly. Climb the roots suggested by them and leave the rest alone! Because some might be in their early stage and may not withstand the load of many or it is unsafe to climb those, please respect these structures and listen to the locals.
- Wear good hiking shoes. It is a must, as most of the trails are forest trails.
So you might have seen endless tall steel bridges, gigantic cement and concrete bridges, and some suspension bridges that might be picture-perfect with a backdrop of rivers. Still, nothing can compare with these inexplicably made intertwined roots bridges! They are magic… don’t miss this when you are in Meghalaya. And if you want less crowd, come straight to Mawkyrnot / Rangthylliang. I am sharing the number of Mr. Morning Star. He is gaining success and popularity with immense love for this cultural heritage, dedication, and perseverance. You can help them by visiting lesser-known root bridges, traveling responsibly in the region, and spreading the word about them.
Mr. Morningstar Khongthaw – 9366747383
So if you liked this post, don’t forget to share with your friends and family..
Thank you…
Amazing yar,👌👌 natural bridges.. જોરદાર છે.
👍
Thank you so much…
Meghalay !
we had been to sikkim but since last two posts never knew Meghalaya is a gem
can we visit in februvary ?
Thank you.
Yes it is heaven! In fact for treks and caves, November to March is very good time. Waterfalls might not be in their full glory though. For them monsoon is best..
Saras ! Khub saras
Thank you…
https://megbiodiversity.nic.in/sites/default/files/living-root-bridges-sanjeev-shankar-iabse-conference-geneva.pdf
i am from meghalaya tourism
Your description is perfect and would snatch more and more youngsters ! Sharing this link so that they can also read and get scientific information
Thank you so much for appreciating. This means a lots..
Thanks for sharing the link also. It is very informative and the formation of root bridges is explained in detail..
one of the few things humans are aiding to preserve nature
Yes.. and we have so many things to learn..
Nature at its best and it seems kids did it unaided without support !
Yes.. they were thrilled and as usual they were the first one to reach and cross all the bridges…
Awesome !
its the rubber trees I suppose !
we are based in delhi and shivangi happened to visit triund after reading your post ! Since than i regularly follow your posts !
North east is a gem but seems scarry as unexplored and wet most of the season
What time did u visit and can u guide us about the options of visitng meghalaya
we are 7 with my single kid and both parents
regards Dhiren
Thank you so much for following regularly and for appreciating. We have visited Meghalaya and Nagaland and both are extremely safe. In fact, in Meghalaya tourism is now one of the main source of income. As far as travelling with parents is concern, relatively all places in Meghalaya, you have to walk little bit at least to reach the place. And some have trek of kilometer or two.
We visited in December last week during Christmas vacation.
Thanks once again…
Nice
Thank you…
Nice detailed information about one of the unexplored wonders of India
Thank you so much…yes they truly are wonders..