Between Tradition and Modernity: The Living Root Bridges as Symbols of Cultural and Ecological Resilience

The living root bridges (Ficus elastica) of Meghalaya, India, exemplify a profound architectural manifestation of cultural heritage, ecological adaptation, and community-driven design, seamlessly merging functionality with symbolic significance within a monsoon-intensive, mountainous terrain. For centuries, the indigenous Khasi communities have meticulously crafted these structures, which transcend mere utility to emerge as living cultural artifacts that encapsulate the interplay of tangible and intangible heritage. Architecturally, they embody an organic, adaptive design philosophy, wherein the aerial roots of Ficus elastica are carefully guided to form resilient, self-sustaining bridges that harmoniously integrate with their natural surroundings. Intangibly, they encapsulate traditional knowledge, communal labor systems (rit), and animist beliefs, reflecting a worldview in which nature and culture are deeply interconnected. Situated within agrarian landscapes, the root bridges coexist with terraced betel leaf farms, sacred groves (Law Kyntang), and shifting cultivation (jhum), creating a cohesive cultural landscape where architecture, agriculture, and ecology converge. However, the survival of these structures is increasingly threatened by rapid urbanization, climate variability, and the commodification driven by tourism, raising pressing questions about sustainable conservation and the role of traditional knowledge in contemporary architectural practice. This study adopts a qualitative architectural research approach, utilizing historical documentation, cultural narratives, and critical discourse analysis to explore how root bridges redefine cultural assets within agricultural landscapes. It emphasizes their role as dynamic, evolving systems rather than static relics, examining their symbolic integration into the Khasi cultural fabric, where they serve dual purposes as functional infrastructure and sacred sites that reinforce community identity and resilience. The research underscores the tension between state-led modernization policies, which often prioritize conventional infrastructure, and community-driven conservation efforts that advocate for adaptive governance models rooted in traditional custodianship (via village Dorbars). By analyzing the architectural and socio-cultural dimensions of root bridges through a qualitative lens, the study proposes frameworks for integrating indigenous design principles into contemporary architectural practice, advocating for their recognition as "living heritage." This approach not only preserves their ecological and cultural value but also offers scalable insights into sustainable, community-centered design in an era of climate uncertainty. Ultimately, this research positions Meghalaya’s root bridges as a paradigm for architectural innovation, where tradition and modernity converge to create resilient, culturally significant landscapes.