Homogeneity in Traditional Knowledge on Plant-Based Ethno-dyes in Reasi District, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Abstract

Natural dyes, especially from plants like Indigo, Madder, and Heena, have been known to mankind and are used for thousands of years by people. These dyes are nontoxic, hypo-allergic and ecofriendly and thus the best alternative to synthetic dyes. A total of 41 plant species were reported to be used as dye resource by locals of Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Survey revealed that various parts of seven plant species are purchased from local market by the locals. All the plants exploited for producing natural dye have been grouped into seven different use categories and quantitatively analyzed for informant consensus factor (ICF). It has been observed that maximum plant species are used by the locals for coloring textiles, but statistical quantification index ‘ICF’ has proved that users have the strong consensus toward imparting colors to skin using plant species.