For thousands of years. until as recently as the discovery ofthe first synthetic dye in 1RS6.
all colouring substances were of natural (vegetable. animal, lichen and mineral) origin.
After the discovery of first synthetic dye, there was a gradual decrease in the use of natural
dyes. which were more expensive and in many ways more difficult to use. Today. many of
the natural dyes have been replaced by synthetic dyes. The major problem threatening the
textile industry today is the environmental pollution, arising out of the wet processing of
the textiles. The production of synthetic dyes involves many violent reactions. using. manv
hazardous petroleum based primary chemicals as well as the production of hazardous
intermediates. Therefore it is high time that the over utilization of synthetic dyestuffs
should be thought about in the context of health of the people and environment. Natural
dvcs extracted or developed from natural resources exhibit better biodegradability. higher
compatibility with the environment and also a lower toxicity and allergic reactions not to
mention the unique and fascinating colours
