Indigo

An ethnographical and historical narrative on the colour that changed the course of history

Indigo

The Project

THE INDIGO FACTORY is a journey through the rich tapestry of indigo-making and subsequent processing into fabric, layered with India’s colonial history that transformed an artisanal occupation into mass production in factories.  This project is an homage to the legacy of indigo, a dye that has colored our world in shades of deep blue for centuries. The process of making indigo dye is an art form passed down through generations. It begins with the careful planting of seeds, followed by the meticulous harvesting of leaves, which are then fermented in large vats to extract the precious dye.  The dye is then used to colour the yarn, spun into thread and woven into fabric. Despite the advent of synthetic dyes, the indigo making and handloom weaving traditions continue to support the livelihoods of many and stands as a testament to sustainable practices in a world leaning towards organic and natural products.  It is a legacy that continues to dye the threads of the present with the colors of the past, ensuring that the story of India’s ‘blue gold’ lives on.

Still Images

Credits

Our special thanks to
Dada Indigo
Charaka

The Team

Directed by

SASHI SIVRAMKRISHNA

Cinematography & Directorial Assistance

SANDEEP P. KUMAR

Project Field Researchers
SREEDHAR S
SHIVA M
Narration

OSHADHA P

Editor & Digital Colorist

RANJAN NAG

Still Photo Editing

JIJEESH T

Camera Assistants & Sound Recordists
BORE GOWDA (KRISHNA)
RAJA
Sound Design

ANAND VEYATTUMMAL

Archival Photographs

JEAN BAPTISTE OSCAR MALLITTE

(ALLAHABAD, 1877)

PRODUCED BY

FOUNDATION TO AID INDUSTRY RECOVERY INDIA