Ethnobotanical Study of Dye-Yielding Plants and Traditional Dyeing Practices Among the Meitei Community of Manipur

This study explores the ethnobotanical knowledge of dye-yielding plants and traditional dyeing practices among the Meitei community of Manipur, Northeast India. It documents the plants used for dyeing, the dye extraction and application methods, and the cultural significance of natural dyes in handloom products. The Study highlights the rich biodiversity of Manipur and the indigenous knowledge embedded in dyeing techniques, which are at risk due to modernization and the increased use of synthetic dyes. Traditional dyeing methods employed by the Meitei community involve labour-intensive techniques, with specific knowledge passed down through generations. Despite the availability of synthetic dyes, natural dyes hold significant cultural, economic, and ecological importance. The Study emphasizes the need for conservation strategies, sustainable harvesting practices, and policy interventions to revive and promote the use of natural dyes. The findings contribute to ethnobotanical research and advocate for sustainable practices in the textile industry, ensuring the preservation of indigenous knowledge and ecological balance.