Research
Color's of Nature: Reviving Jharkhand's Hidden Treasures
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Lal Padh - Jharkhand's lost traditional Red
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Jharkhand a land abundant in forests & minerals that yield exceptional dyes.
Through dedicated research, we are uncovering Jharkhand's hidden treasure where we found an century old naturally dyed red thread from a weaver's house. At Anvrat we are reviving the traditional art of natural dyeing.
One of our most significant rediscoveries is Jharkhand's lost traditional red, which is the iconic shade of Lal Padh - a symbol of the region's tribal heritage. By reviving natural dyeing, We are creating a sustainable ecosystem that benefits not just the wearer, but also the artisans, farmers, and the environment. ​​
Reviving the Natural Indian Red from Jharkhand
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At Anvrat, we are deeply committed to bringing back India’s age-old natural dyeing traditions and reviving the lost hues of nature. Our every step brings us closer to the revival of ancient craft. Our journey begins with brown, the color of soil, symbolizing birth, growth, and return. Hidden within this brown lies a quiet longing, a deeper resonance red. Step by step, we are exploring the rare and precious shades of Natural Indian Red, drawn gently from nature’s bounty.
Our exploration led us to Jharkhand. A land rich in forests, culture, and untapped natural treasures. Here, amidst its deep-rooted wisdom, we rediscovered a native tree bark, “Rohena,” once used as a natural source of red dye. Forgotten by time, this plant-based dye embodies our heritage, and now, it returns to the artisan process through our ongoing research at Anvrat. And now, we are proud to unveil our first product crafted in the heart of Jharkhand, using the natural red dye extracted from Rohena.
INDIGO in Jharkhand
We planted the first indigo plant in Jharkhand to observe how it adapts to a new environment, far from its traditionally grown regions of India
As we monitored its growth, the response to Jharkhand’s climate was unpredictable yet the plant reached an impressive height of 5 feet. Encouraged by this, we are now focusing on the next step of our research.
In parallel, we’ve also experimented with indigo cakes sourced from Andhra Pradesh and are proud to be the first in Jharkhand to dye cotton yarns and fabrics using natural indigo.
SASAANG LUGDI - Revival of Santhali's traditional wedding saree
In the local dialect, Sasaang means turmeric, and Lugdi refers to a wrapper or drape, together symbolizing a sacred, culturally significant textile rooted in Santhal tradition. Once an integral part of Santhal weddings, the Sasaang Lugdi was dyed at home using turmeric, a revered natural resource associated with purity and blessing.
Santhals believe that the fabric should remain unfinished, with no cuts or knots, preserving its wholeness as a sign of sanctity and spiritual continuity. These wedding fabrics were never bought or sourced; they were lovingly handwoven and dyed by Santhal families themselves.
This revival brings back not just a textile, but a tradition woven with memory, meaning, and ancestral care. Crafted from natural dyed cotton, it honors the essence of self-reliance, ritual, and cultural pride passed down through generations.
With each thread we dye, we weave together history, culture and sustainability bringing India's natural dyeing heritage back to life.
