An overview on floral diversity of Arawali forest: A potential source for natural dyes

The present study presents an overview on floral diversity and identifies Non-timber Forest Products (NTFP) that can be used as Natural Dye sources in textile sector. This was a descriptive study; Historical, as well as current data was collected through surveys and interviews. Individual and focus group interviews with tribal members were conducted to gather information regarding details of forest proximity. This collective study indicates that the Aravalli hill ranges constitute the most dominant hilly area of Rajasthan. Most of the forests are over the hilly areas i.e. in Udaipur, Rajasamand, Kota, Baran Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Sirohi, Bundi, Alwar, Jhalawar and Banswara districts, which make up for about 50 per cent of the forests of the state. Khakara, semal, rohida, gadha palash, mokha, marod phalli, davai, van gulab etc. are identified as red chroma, amaltash, awla, gundhi, babool etc.are identified as yellow and related chroma. Forests are major components of the earth’s natural resources and they are increasingly critical to the welfare of the economy, environment, and population. Gum products, starch products, antimicrobial resources, paper industry products may be collected from hilly forest areas and can be easily adopted at cottage level for gainful employment of tribal women