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
- MOHAMMED AYUB, DADA INDIGO, VENGANTHUR
- PRASANNA & RUDRAPPA D.B., CHARAKA, HONNESARA, SAGARA
- SUBBAIAH NAIDU, SRI KIRAN DYEING, BANGALORE
- KIRUBA SHANKAR, VAKASANA, RETTANAI
Dada Indigo
- MUNIYANDI
- KASHI KUMAR
- KAMALA KANNAN
- SALEMBARASAN
- SHANGENI
- ELANGOVAN
- PANCHANATHAN
- BHAGAVAN
Charaka
- HUCHESH
- RAMYA
- GANESH
- VIDYA
- GAYANA
- SUSHMA
- LEELVATI
- MALATI
- SHARADA
The Team
Directed by
SASHI SIVRAMKRISHNA
Cinematography & Directorial Assistance
SANDEEP P. KUMAR
Project Field Researchers
SREEDHAR S
SHIVA M
SHIVA M
Narration
OSHADHA P
Editor & Digital Colorist
RANJAN NAG
Still Photo Editing
JIJEESH T
Camera Assistants & Sound Recordists
BORE GOWDA (KRISHNA)
RAJA
RAJA
Sound Design
ANAND VEYATTUMMAL
Archival Photographs
JEAN BAPTISTE OSCAR MALLITTE
(ALLAHABAD, 1877)
PRODUCED BY
FOUNDATION TO AID INDUSTRY RECOVERY INDIA