Natural dye
Manjishtha
Rose Pink
Source Indian madder
Care This fabric is dyed using natural Manjishtha (madder root) dye, so a little gentle care will help preserve its rich colour over time. Hand wash separately in cold water using a mild detergent, especially during the first few washes, as some colour may release naturally. Avoid bleach, harsh detergents, or hot water, as these can cause the colour to fade or turn dull. Do not soak the fabric for extended periods. Dry in shade rather than direct sunlight, since prolonged sun exposure can lighten the natural red tones. Iron on a low setting while the fabric is slightly damp for a smooth finish. With proper care, the fabric will hold its colour and softness beautifully wash after wash, developing a gentle, lived-in character over time.
The process
The dye begins with Manjishtha, the root of the Indian madder plant, known for producing deep reddish tones. Artisans at Desi Trust use dried and crushed Manjishtha root, which is soaked and then boiled in water for several hours. This slow boiling process allows the natural red-orange pigments present in the root to release into the water, forming a rich, concentrated dye liquid. The mixture is then strained to remove root residue, leaving behind a pure dye base ready for use.
Before dyeing, the cotton yarn is treated with a natural mordant, usually alum, which helps the colour bind firmly to the fibre and improves durability and colour fastness. The yarn is then dipped into the Manjishtha dye bath and left to soak, allowing the colour to penetrate evenly. Multiple dips may be done, with drying in between, to build up the depth of the shade — from soft pink and rust tones to deeper brick reds, depending on the number of dips and dye concentration used. Once the desired shade is reached, the yarn is thoroughly washed to remove any excess dye and left to dry naturally in the shade.
This process uses no synthetic chemicals or artificial colourants — only root, water, and natural mordant. It reflects a traditional dyeing technique passed down through generations of artisans in Sagara, Shimoga, where the colour of the land is quite literally woven into the yarn. Since it's a completely natural process, slight variations in tone between batches are common, making every piece unique.