Exploring By travelling
Travelling to Meghalaya was like stepping into a whole new world—lush green landscapes, rolling hills covered in mist, and waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs. But what fascinated me the most was the architecture and the way people have built their homes and structures in harmony with nature.
One of the first things that caught my attention was the traditional Khasi houses. These houses, made primarily of wood and bamboo, stand on raised stilts to protect them from heavy rains and floods. I was amazed by how they use locally available materials so efficiently. The wooden planks fit seamlessly, and the sloping roofs ensure rainwater flows down smoothly. Walking inside one, I could feel the warmth it retained even in the cold, misty weather.
The highlight of my exploration, however, was the living root bridges. These are not just structures; they are a testament to the deep connection the Khasi people have with their land. I visited the double-decker root bridge in Nongriat, a structure formed by intertwining the aerial roots of rubber trees over decades. It felt surreal to walk on something living and growing, realizing that it will only get stronger with time. Unlike concrete bridges, these require patience and constant care, making them more sustainable and long-lasting.
Another interesting structure I came across was the bamboo houses in Mawlynnong, known as the cleanest village in Asia. Almost everything here was made of bamboo—from houses to fences and even dustbins. The houses were elevated on stilts, much like the Khasi homes, but had a distinct lightweight and airy feel to them. The use of bamboo ensures natural cooling inside, something we often overlook while designing modern buildings.
Meghalaya’s churches also stood out to me, especially in Shillong, where colonial-style buildings blended with the local landscape. Many were built using stone and wood, with steep roofs to withstand heavy rains. The blend of indigenous techniques with colonial influences was fascinating to observe.
As I traveled through different villages and towns, I noticed that every structure, whether it was a home, a school, or a community space, had a purpose beyond just providing shelter. The people of Meghalaya have built in a way that respects nature, adapts to the climate, and ensures longevity without excessive resource consumption.
This journey made me reflect on the way we construct our buildings elsewhere. In many places, we rely heavily on concrete and steel, often ignoring the wisdom of traditional techniques. But here, in Meghalaya, every home and bridge told a story of sustainability, patience, and resilience. It inspired me to think deeper about how we can integrate such principles into modern architecture, using locally available materials and techniques that harmonize with nature rather than disrupt it.
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