Top 5 Natural Dyes used in India

India has been known as the land of colors for centuries. From royal textiles of the Mughal courts to handwoven sarees of rural artisans, natural dyes have shaped India’s textile heritage. Long before chemical dyes, our ancestors relied on plants, roots, flowers and minerals to create vibrant hues that carried cultural, spiritual and ecological meaning.

Today, as sustainable fashion gains momentum, natural dyes are once again becoming popular. Let’s explore the top 5 natural dyes used in India and their fascinating historical significance.

1. Madder (Manjistha / Alizarin Red)

This may contain: a pile of pink colored powder sitting on top of a white counter next to a knife

  • Source: Roots of the Rubia cordifolia plant

  • Color Produced: Red, crimson and pink shades

  • Historical Use:
    Madder has been used in India for thousands of years. Ancient Ayurvedic texts describe it as both a textile dye and a medicinal plant. Archaeological findings from the Indus Valley Civilization show traces of madder-dyed fabrics. During the Mughal era, madder was widely used in royal garments and Ajrakh block printing.

Look at our Eco-Printed Sarees that revive madder dyeing for sustainable fashion.

2. Indigo (Neel)

This may contain: the hands of a person who is shaving their hair with something blue and black

  • Source: Indigofera tinctoria leaves

  • Color Produced: Deep blue

  • Historical Use:
    Known as “blue gold,” indigo was one of India’s most valuable exports. The dye was so precious that it fueled colonial trade and even revolts, such as the Indigo Revolt of 1859 in Bengal. Indigo-dyed fabrics were a favorite in Ajrakh, Bagru and Kalamkari textiles, symbolizing wealth and prestige.

Fun fact: Indigo is still one of the most searched dyes globally because of its connection to denim!

3. Turmeric (Haldi)

This may contain: tumerical and ginger powder in a measuring cup with spoons on the side

  • Source: Rhizomes of the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa)

  • Color Produced: Yellow to golden tones

  • Historical Use:
    Turmeric has been central to Indian rituals and traditions for centuries. Beyond food and medicine, it was used as a sacred dye in wedding sarees, temple fabrics, and religious offerings. Its antibacterial qualities also made it a practical choice for dyeing children’s clothes.

Modern sustainable fashion often uses turmeric to create eco-printed fabrics with natural golden imprints.

4. Pomegranate Rind (Anar Chilka)

This may contain: the pomegranates are cut in half and placed on top of each other

  • Source: Rind of pomegranate fruit

  • Color Produced: Yellow, green, and earthy browns

  • Historical Use:
    In Ayurvedic dyeing traditions, pomegranate rind was used as both a dye and a mordant (color fixer). Historical records show its use in Gujarati Bandhani and Rajasthan’s block printing traditions. It created subtle earthy shades that were symbolic of prosperity and fertility.

Kokikar’s natural dye process often combines pomegranate rind with iron or alum to produce deeper shades.

5. Onion Skins

onion peel for natural dye

  • Source: Outer layers of onion bulbs

  • Color Produced: Rust, orange, and reddish-brown tones

  • Historical Use:
    While not as ancient as indigo or madder, onion skins have been used in rural households for centuries to create everyday textiles. They produce beautiful autumn shades that were often combined with other plant dyes for Ajrakh and eco-prints.

Today, onion-skin dyeing is a favorite in eco-printing, where leaves and petals are imprinted directly onto fabrics. See an example in Kokikar’s Silk Scarves.

Why Natural Dyes Still Matter Today

Natural dyes represent India’s history, sustainability and cultural identity. At a time when chemical dyes pollute rivers and harm ecosystems, natural dyeing offers an eco-friendly alternative that:

  • Reduces water pollution 

  • Keeps artisan traditions alive 

  • Creates unique, long-lasting colors 

  • Connects fashion to nature 

This is why we are bringing back natural dye sarees, scarves and eco-printed fabrics.

FAQs About Natural Dyes

Q1: Are natural dyes long-lasting?
Yes! With the right mordants (like alum or pomegranate rind), natural dyes can last generations. Many museum textiles dyed with indigo and madder are still vibrant.

Q2: Which natural dye is most famous in India?
Indigo is the most historically significant, but madder and turmeric are also iconic.

Q3: Can I wash natural dyed sarees at home?
Yes, but use mild detergents, avoid harsh sunlight, and air-dry.