At that age, I was so taken aback by the captivating view that the intricacies like how, when, or why the bridge was built did not even cross my mind. It was only but a few days ago when my mother mentioned it while reminiscing about the trip, that my interest was piqued, and I decided to read up about the Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya, which are a quintessential example of the perfect amalgamation of architecture, human innovation, and nature. Documented for the first time in 1844 in the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, the bridges may themselves date back a few more centuries as per the department of environmental studies at the North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong. Presently there are 11 functional root bridges in Meghalaya, the most of which are in and near Cherrapunji, one of the wettest places on earth. Among them, the Double Decker Root Bridge over Umshiang river in Nongriat village is the most famous and popular tourist attraction. In addition to being a delightful natural wonder, the two levels of the bridge provide a utilitarian purpose as well. Due to significant rainfall during the monsoon season, the water level of the Umshiang river rose and often submerged the lower bridge, prompting the villagers to construct the second level. In the past few years, a new bridge is being engineered at Nongriat which will make it a triple-decker bridge, which according to the locals will help attract more tourists. 

Originally built by the members of the local Khasi Tribe of Meghalaya to connect isolated villages and cross rivers and streams, these bridges have over time come to facilitate commerce, connected villagers, and even lead to the formation of new relationships among the people, along with attracting tourists and improving the socio-economic conditions of the region. The Khasi tribe’s indigenous process of constructing the root bridges is just as intriguing as the outcome. Made up of interwoven living prop roots of Indian Rubber trees (Scientific name: Ficus elastica) belonging to the fig family, these bridges serve as a more stable and sustainable alternative to the man-made wooden bridges which decay and get destroyed in just a few years due to the region’s prolonged monsoon season. To establish a strong foundation, the rubber tree trunks are planted on both sides of the bank and the young tender prop roots of the trees are directed across either with the help of temporary bamboo scaffolding or through hollowed out betel nut tree trunks, which rot and disappear over time after guiding the roots of the desired path. Stones and pieces of wood are used to fill the gaps, which get embedded in the floor of the bridge. As they are grown from roots and not constructed of perishable material, root bridges take around 15 to 30 years to be created and become strong enough for people to be able to cross them. They also persist for centuries, only getting more robust and durable with time as the roots keep getting entangled and strengthened. 

The Living Root Bridge in Riwai, Meghalaya

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=living+root+bridge+of+Riwai&title=Special:MediaSearch&go=Go&type=image

The Double Decker Root Bridge in Nongriat, Meghalaya

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Living_bridges

The Bridge floor

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Living_bridges#/media/File:A_bridge_made_from_trees.jpg

Bibliography:

1. Shankar, Sanjeev. “Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya.”
2. Chaudhuri, Punarbasu, Subarna Bhattacharyya, and Alok Chandra Samal. “Living root bridge: a potential no cost eco-technology for mitigating rural communication problems.” Int. J. Exp. Res. Rev 5 (2016): 33-35.
3. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/living-root-bridges-clean-village-mwalynnong-india
4. https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/XG0VvYWuoy7fLoKL6WoHfP/Why-Meghalaya-is-building-new-root-bridges.html

The views, information, or opinions expressed above are solely those of the author(s) involved and do not necessarily represent those held by India Lost & Found and its creative community.

Hello there, I’m Upasana Patgiri…

Currently a student of Bachelor of Planning from School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal, I like to describe myself as a nature enthusiast and an inquisitive person. My interests are varied, from painting, embroidery and photography to trekking and cycling. I also like to cook, travel and learn new skills. Being a student of urban planning, discovering and learning about different places, concepts and ideas excite me and I hope to keep on exploring, questioning, finding answers to things, going ahead in life.

In parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and North Karnataka (Karnataka)-several step-wells are still present. They not only provided water supply but were utilitarian in strategy. And often have architectural and social significance by serving as temple tanks. Since step-wells are located deep into the ground, not being exposed to heat helps in keeping the water cool. During the monsoon, water is recharged that eventually dries up in summer. It also served as a retreating place for travellers, caravans, even the villagers in hot season with stone benches, beautiful ornamentation. Ritualistic activities that satisfied spiritual needs were performed. Today, more than 200 step-wells are likely to be discovered in Gujarat alone. It is said that the first step-wells were erected in Gujarat, and hence the moniker of ‘land of step-wells. 

They are referred to as Vav in Gujarati and Baori in Hindi. One fine day when going out was considered healthy, along with my college friends, we went to venture into the infamous yet secluded Sevasi Vav. Built during the reign of Sultan Mehmud Begada, the Sevasi Vav is located in the Sevasi Village, outskirts of Vadodara. Said to be built in 1543 CE by Raja Haridas in the memory of a spiritual leader, Vidhyadhar. The vav is seven floors below ground and we entered through a gate-like structure with a dome in the middle. The elephant and tiger relief work on both sides of its gate welcomed us. It is said to be constructed with a mix of brick masonry and a system of stone columns. Keeping in mind the orientation like the rest step-wells, it’s in the east-west direction. Researchers have claimed that one can feel the sudden drop in the temperature on entering the vav which proves the vav’s ability of water storage efficiency. The locals depended on it for hundreds of years surviving the semi-arid climate of the state. It is a treat to the eyes as the structure shines brighter with sunlight beaming in and the vav lits up gloriously.

Figure 1: Entrance of Sevasi Vav

Figure 2: Top view

 Standing on the seventh step on your right side lies a mandala. The mandala is presumed to be associated with the Vastu Shastra diagram. The walls are intricately carved with motifs that can be spotted on each level. Torans, flowers, bells, animals such as elephants, horses, and bird engraving can be seen. False ‘jharokhas’ with floral patterns on their walls are seen. Following the stairs, as one proceeds down, on every intermediary floor, pillar gateway, carved with magnificent floral motifs, horse subjects, a pair of birds carved can be seen on either side of its capital. On the 63rd step, a large platform with a Trishul, dedicated to Shiva is placed in front of an ‘Agnikund‘. Religious activities like hawans, puja, and such are held there as it performs as an active temple. The 80th step has a pillar with an elephant motif on both sides of a Gujarati inscription mentioning the date and year of construction of the Vav. 

Figure 3: A diagram which is assumed to be related to Vastu Shastra

Figure 4: Horse motif on the pillar

Figure 5: Gujarati Inscription

Figure 6: Agnikund, on the right-hand side lies the Trishul

A dried-out-up well stands parallelly across the 99th step. The last few steps got submerged in the water. Two lanes run on either side of the stepwell, which may have once served as a bridge. These two alleys form a mini-narrow entrance exit to a platform-like structure directly in the centre of the stepwell, on the 7^th storey. Following the two alleyways, the dome-like building awaits at the other end. The dome has two entrances and exits via stairwells. The balcony inside the dome provides a clear view of the stepwell from the top as well as the well on the opposite side.

Figure 7: Water filled with Garbage

Figure 9: Top view of the well

Figure 10: View of the Doom from the top storey

Figure 11: View from within the Sevasi Vav. 

However, decades of neglect have damaged the building, which is now in disrepair. One of the walls has even slanted slightly, and some pillars have developed fractures. According to locals, if the wall is not provided external support, the entire building may collapse. Even the 25-foot-deep well is overflowing with trash, leaving little place for water. Avantika Singh, a former collector of the district, visited the place with other prominent people a few years ago and was shown around the steps by the villagers. They had also presented a case for its rehabilitation. In 2014, a city-based wildlife NGO and an Ahmedabad-based NGO had cleaned the Vav as a part of the ‘Swachh Monuments’ campaign. However, it is only Patel who looks after the monument.

  Due to lack of protection, the vav’s paintings got harmed by a person. The acid produced by the mixture of smoke and moisture from burning offerings has harmed the plasterwork. Despite complaints to authorities, the problem has not been investigated, and the individual continues to do so without consequence.

Richard Moe, National Trust for Historic Preservation, says:

“There may have been a time when preservation was about saving an old building here or there, but those days are gone. Preservation is in the business of saving communities and the values they embody.”

 The heritage monuments are gradually losing their essence due to a lack of preservation. They are inhabited, utilized, transformed, and incorporated into the everyday lives of the people. Water is one of the most basic needs. India is severely water-stressed. We should try to rely on the practical and sustainable water conservation techniques that have emerged throughout ancient periods.

Bibliography:

1. Pathak, A. and Kulkarni, U.D., 2007. Influence of Chalukya architecture on Hampi stepwell. In National Seminar on Water and Culture: June 25 (Vol. 27).
2. Tayyibji, R., 2016. Ancient Stepwells of Ahmedabad: A Conversation on Water and Heritage. Sutra Journal.
3. http://edugreen.teri.res.in/explore/water/conser.htm
4. https://medcraveonline.com/IJH/IJH-04-00250.pdf
5. https://www.myindiamyglory.com/2019/12/17/sevasi-vidyadhar-vav-1543-stepwell-built-by-raja-haridas-awaits-revival/
6. https://historyofvadodara.in/vav-stepwells/#:~:text=According%20to%20a%20Devnagari%20inscription,was%20revered%20in%20Sevasi%20village
7. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/natural-resource-conservation
8. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vadodara/529-year-old-vav-lies-in-a-shambles/articleshow/55534190.cms
9. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/water/pride-in-ruins-60781
10. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/natural-resource-conservation

The views, information, or opinions expressed above are solely those of the author(s) involved and do not necessarily represent those held by India Lost & Found and its creative community.

Hello, I’m Ramyani Sengupta…

Currently my career is in ruins with a degree on grave robbing; I graduated in Archaeology and Ancient History from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Gujarat. I’m the social media manager at India Lost & Found. I keep an avid interest in art and aesthetics and a lot of things. Art and cultural learnings are my major pillars of interest. I’m fascinated by different languages, while poetry and dance attracts me as it signifies the true colours of life. I also have a craving for different kinds of food which radiates my positive energy!