Jain Miniature Paintings from Western India c9.s3.32

c9.s3.32

From the foregoing descriptions of the kermes, it is apparent that the production of carmine was a closely guarded secret, and the cock and bull stories about its origin were designedly spread to prevent close enquiries. Another interesting point which emerges from the stories is that the kṛmirāga was not an Indian product and the Charmaraṅga Mlechchhas (probably the people of Samarqand) and the Persians had the monopoly of its production.