Indigenous knowledge of wool dyeing: A Bhotiya practice on its way out in the higher Kumaun Himalaya

40-46The indigenous knowledge of making natural dye from native plant species had developed in the high altitude regions of Kumaun over a long period of time. This practice of using natural dyes for colouring wool was very common in the high altitude districts of Pithoragarh in Kumaun, and Chamoli and Uttarkashi districts in Garhwal. The inhabitants had perfected their knowledge to such a level, that they could get most of the bright shades of colours required in their woollen products. However, over a period of time, due to the expansion of road network and market forces in these regions, the avail ability of synthetic dyes slowly brought down the production and use of natural dyes. Later, the supply of factory-made wool in a multiple range of colours and shades at a price lower than that of their own-produced wool finally brought this knowledge system on the verge of its extinction. This paper highlights the role of various economic factors and linkages involved in the marginalisation of this practice and eco-friendly knowledge systems of a remote Himalayan region