• Dr Vivek Singh

A blue natural dyestuff is obtained from the various species of Indigofera. It does not exists ready formed, but is produced during fermentation from another agent existing in the plant. A dye can generally be described as a coloured substance that has an affinity to the substrate to which it is being applied. The dye is usually used as an aqueous solution and may require a mordant to improve the fastness of the dye on the fibre. Indigo dyeing and the use to produce patterns on the cloths have been known for centuries. Indigo dye is an important dyestuff to whiten cotton clothes. The colour Indigo has held a significant place in History for thousands of year through painting on cloths, paper, murals, walls, rocks etc. Indigo has verily held a sustained presence and identity in the history of enterprise, economics and politics of India. Indigo Cultivation was forcefully done by British Planters in India in 18th Century, thus Indigo trade of India is more valuable for all existing companies of Europe in India. Indigo plantation rivalry was seen during from the times of Akbar among European companies to seize the trade.

Indigo, Indigofera, Indigo plantation, Medieval India, British Indigo trade, Dutch, Portuguese indigo trade

"Cultivation of Indigo in Medieval India", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.5, Issue 3, page no.996-1000, March-2018, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1803188.pdf

"Cultivation of Indigo in Medieval India", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.5, Issue 3, page no. pp996-1000, March-2018, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1803188.pdf