The bulk of the Chhipas dye cloths in red, blue or black, with
ornamental patterns picked out on them in black and white. Formerly
their principal agent was the _al_ or Indian mulberry (_Morinda
citrifolia_), from which a rich red dye is obtained. But this
indigenous product has been ousted by alizarin, a colouring agent
made from coal-tar, which is imported from Germany, and is about
thirty per cent cheaper than the native dye. Chhipas prepare _saris_
or women's wearing-cloths, and floor and bed cloths. The dye stamps
are made of teakwood by an ordinary carpenter, the flat surface of
the wood being hollowed out so as to leave ridges which form either
a design in curved lines or the outlines of the figures of men,
elephants and tigers. There is a great variety of patterns, as many
as three hundred stamps having been found in one Chhipa's shop. The
stamps are usually covered with a black ink made of sulphate of iron,
and this is fixed by myrobalans; the Nilgars usually dye a plain blue
with indigotin. No great variety or brilliancy of colours is obtained
by the Hindu dyers, who are much excelled in this branch of the art
by the Muhammadan Rangrez. In Gujarat dyeing is strictly forbidden
by the caste rules of the Chhipas or Bhaosars during the four rainy
months, because the slaughter of insects in the dyeing vat adds to
the evil and ill-luck of that sunless time. [472]