Class 10 Science Project - Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
Indian Textile Dyes - A Chemical Perspective
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                Class 10 Science Project - Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
Introduction to Indian Textile Dyes
Indian textile dyeing techniques like Bandhani (Gujarat) and Kalamkari (Tamil Nadu) represent the
rich blend of art and chemistry. These methods use natural dyes and involve chemical concepts
such as acids, bases, and salts.
                Class 10 Science Project - Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
Natural Dyes Used in Traditional Dyeing
- Indigo: Obtained from Indigofera plants (used in Bandhani)
- Turmeric: Used in Kalamkari for yellow shades
- Madder: Plant root used for red tones
- Henna: Natural dye for reddish-brown hues
                Class 10 Science Project - Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
The Role of Acids, Bases, and Salts in Dyeing
The color and fixation of dyes depend on the pH of the solution:
- Acids can change dye color or fix them to fabric.
- Bases like lime water are used in indigo dyeing.
- Salts act as mordants that help dyes bind to fibers.
Example: Indigo dyeing involves an alkaline solution and oxidation on fabric exposure.
                Class 10 Science Project - Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
Chemical Reactions in Dyeing
- Dye molecules bond with fabric fibers (adsorption).
- Oxidation-reduction reactions in indigo dyeing.
- Use of mordants like alum in Kalamkari changes dye binding and color.
Reaction Example: Indigo (reduced) + O2 -> Indigo (oxidized - blue color)
                     Class 10 Science Project - Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
Comparison of Bandhani and Kalamkari
Technique | State            | Dye Used             | pH Nature           | Reaction Type
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bandhani | Gujarat           | Indigo            | Alkaline         | Oxidation
Kalamkari | Tamil Nadu | Turmeric/Madder | Slightly Acidic | Reduction/Mordanting
                Class 10 Science Project - Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
Conclusion
Traditional dyeing practices like Bandhani and Kalamkari showcase the perfect blend of Indian
heritage and chemical knowledge. Understanding their chemistry helps us appreciate and preserve
these eco-friendly, artistic methods.
                Class 10 Science Project - Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
References
1. Chemistry of Natural Dyes - NCERT Science Textbook
2. The Art of Kalamkari - Cultural India
3. Textile Dyeing in India - India Heritage Foundation