Until 1856, natural dyes and pigments were used as colouring agents. These were obtained from plants, insects, and minerals. The muted earth colours yielded by these natural dye stuffs were considered as harmonious as they go together giving pleasing colours.
As far as the natural dyes are concerned, India has a virtual monopoly in their production and application. It is evident from the literature that around 500 plants can give raise to natural colours. Few animal and mineral sources were also known to produce very striking colours. Natural dyes are extracted from the roots, stems, leaves, flowers and fruits of various plants and dried bodies of certain insects and minerals.
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