In the unchanging art of India, the ancient colours are used now. Therefore, when we give the following list, we must suppose that it embraces all that have been known from the beginning.
Indian dyes are mostly vegetable. For yellow, akalbir, the root of the Datiscus Canabinus; also yellow is dyed with asbarg, the flower of the Cabul larkspur (Delphinium sp.).
Orange. Soneri dyed with narsingar, the honey-scented flower of nyclanthes (Arbor Tristis).
Scarlet is first dyed with cochineal (formerly with kermes), which gives a crimson colour; next with narsingar, which turns it vermilion.
Purple is dyed first with cochineal (formerly kermes), afterwards with indigo.
Lilac. Ditto, only paler.
Blue. All shades of indigo.
Green. With indigo first, and next the various yellow dyes.
Brown. Sandal-wood, called “sandali;” almond colour (Badami).
Grey. Sulphate of iron and gold.