Bridge Builders

Published in 1893, 'The Bridge Builders' by Rudyard Kipling explores the conflict between nature and human progress through the story of the construction of a bridge over the River Ganges. The narrative intertwines themes of divine retribution and the diminishing power of the Gods as science and technology advance. Kipling presents a vision of the Gods in an opium-induced dream, questioning their existence in a changing world. This tale reflects Kipling's commentary on the impact of modernization on traditional beliefs.