Studies on the Diversity of Tannins and Dyes Yielding 
Plants of Kathua District of J and K, India

 

Rupinder Kaur, Rekha Dhanai, Joshna Sharma, Sunil Puri

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Received 9 February 2023, Accepted 20 May 2023, Published on 24 July 2023

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ABSTRACT

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Dyes are the manufactured or natural compounds used to color a variety of things. They are derived from many plant parts, including the leaf, stem, bark, rhizome, flower, buds and berries, among others. The diversity of plants that produce tannin and dyes in J and K’s Kathua district is the subject of the current study. The current study provides information on 35 species of tannin and dye-producing plants from 31 genera and 20 families, along with information on their common names, families, components they are used for and their applications. With the aid of locals and the material that was readily available, the trees were recognized. The families such as Fabaceae and Combretaceae were represented by higher number of species. Natural dye-producing plants are extremely important in the socio-economic and socio-cultural lives of ethnic people, and promoting these products in a controlled manner can help to preserve traditional knowledge and local biodiversity. However, it is concerning that indigenous expertise of natural dye extraction, processing, and application has dwindled as a result of the widespread availability of synthetic dyes. 

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Keywords   Tannin, Dye, Traditional knowledge, Kathua district, Ethnic communities.