Aal Root Dyeing Tradition of Odisha: A Review on Cultural Heritage, Natural Dyes, and Sustainable Textile Practices

Kotpad dyeing represents a unique blend of traditional knowledge, cultural heritage, and environmentally sustainable textile practices. The reviewed studies suggest that the quality of the final colour largely depends on the type of mordant used and the method of its application. Mordants such as alum and iron have been reported to improve dye fixation and shade stability in anthraquinone based natural dyeing. The literature highlights that Kotpad dyeing is not only culturally significant but also supported by important dye–mordant interactions that influence textile performance. However, scientific research on dye composition, colour fastness, and fibre–dye bonding under traditional dyeing conditions remains limited. Further studies are needed to better understand these processes and to support the preservation and sustainable development of this indigenous textile tradition.

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