HADI, Saiyid Muhammad.

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A Monograph on Dyes and Dyeing in the North-Western Provinces and Oudh. First edition of this valuable technical and socio-economic study of indigenous practices, produced at the end of a 30-year period in which the availability of cheaper European imports had severely disrupted the industry.The author (1863-1939), who studied at the Royal College, Cirencester, and under Pasteur in Paris, held the position of Assistant Director of Land Records and Agriculture in the North-Western Provinces and Oudh. In a short history, he notes how the industry "maintained its flourishing condition until the appearance in the Indian market, about 30 years ago, of the European magenta dye, which in a few years proved a formidable rival to safflower. Later on, the introduction of a large number of other European dyes caused a revolution in the dyeing art of the country... The reports from most of the districts show that a large number of them [native dyers] have been driven to find their livelihood by adopting other professions and trades and even by menial labour... If it were not for dyeing with indigo they would simply starve" (p. 3).After discussing the preparation and major applications of dyes for textiles, leathers, paper, and household objects, Hadi moves to their religious meaning, the laws governing their use by different social groups, and their central place in regional cuisine. Chapter IX discusses the use of turmeric, saffron, tamarinds, and other natural products to prepare culin

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