History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c20.s4.t2.2

v1.c20.s4.t2.2

Bee wax (*madhucchiṣṭam*) was also used as a vehicle of medium for different dye-stuffs. Cochineal is an insect which produces red dye. Kermes (*Coccus*) which have been yielding a scarlet dye was widely in use in ancient India. This insect is known as *rudhirakrimi* because it originates in blood, particularly human blood. The insects are squeezed with some auxiliaries to produce dye substances for colouring textile fabrics.