ABSTRACT
Dyeing is still in its infancy in Bengal, and the colours given to cloth are most unstable. The chief dye is safflower, from which are derived two colours, ‘Gulábí’, or damask, and ‘Gulmár’, or scarlet, tints in great demand for colouring bridal dresses and turbans. By mixing safflower and turmeric, ‘Basanti’, a colour worn by Krishna,94 is produced. With indigo and Gulábí, a colour known as ‘Kásní’ is made, and with indigo and turmeric a green dye, called ‘Sabzí’. A purple dye, Baiganí, obtained from Sappan wood, is a favourite colour for dyeing silk garments much fancied by young Bráhmans, and others. As these defective dyes disappear in a shower of rain, clothes have to be frequently returned to the Rangrez, who, in consequence, is one of the busiest of workmen.
