History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c20.10

v1.c20.10

Vedic texts provided evidence to the fact that the art of dyeing and printing textiles had reached a developed stage even in those early days. It is said that the robe of a king who is initiated to perform Rājasūya Yajña was fully worked or painted with designs of various forms of the yajña. On the occasion of marriage, bridal dresses were beautifully decorated with lovely designs and golden motifs (Śat. Br. 5.3. 520). Mention of words like rajayatri in Vedic texts clearly indicate that dyeing cloth was practised as a profession and a separate professional group was engaged in this (Śukla YV, Adhyāya 30; Vāj. S. 3). During this period, people were using cotton, woolen and silken cloths. Wool was first dyed in the desired colours and from this dyed wool, cloth was made (Śat. Br. 5.3. 521). The dyes used during the early period were natural colouring agents like saffron, henna, extracts of plants, leaves, flowers, fruits etc.