Preparing Colours (Citra-yoga)

The story of this art

Citra-yoga is the classical art of preparing natural pigments, dyes, and inks from organic and mineral sources. In traditional practice, artists gather raw materials from nature, such as turmeric roots, indigo leaves, marigold flowers, river clay, and red ochre known as geru. The process requires cleaning, grinding, soaking, and extracting pure hues, which are then mixed with natural binders like tree gum, neem sap, or rice water to ensure the pigment adheres securely to canvas, walls, or paper. This skill is documented in the classical lists as a foundational discipline for painters and illustrators, who needed to understand the physical behavior of natural ingredients. A concrete detail of the craft involves grinding mineral stones or dried plant parts on a smooth granite slab using a stone pestle, carefully controlling water levels until the mixture reaches a silky consistency that does not crack when dry. In Maharashtra and across India, this knowledge remains active among traditional folk artists. Warli painters use white rice paste mixed with water and gum, while artisans of Kalamkari and Patachitra extract deep reds and blacks from iron rust, jaggery, and madder root. Today, eco-conscious artists revive these techniques to create sustainable art materials.