India boasts a rich heritage in natural dyeing, particularly with cotton textiles. For millennia, Indian artisans have mastered the art of extracting vibrant, lasting colours from indigenous plants and minerals. This expertise extends beyond mere coloration; it encompasses a deep understanding of the intricate relationships between fibers, dyes, and mordants.
Indian dyers have perfected techniques to achieve colour fastness on cotton, a fabric notoriously difficult to dye naturally. Their methods often involve complex multi-step processes, including the use of unique mordants like myrobalan, which enhances both the brilliance and longevity of colours.