Ever wondered why Saffron is associated with Sanatana Dharma.

Ancient Indians were masters in cultivation of Cotton, and Dyeing and supplied the World it's textile needs.

Indigo dyeing tech was stolen from India.

And so was Red, that's why Colonial European forces wore Red.

Indian Madder was extracted from the root of plant called Manjishta, Manjit, Majith, Manditta, Manjitti, Sevvelli, Tamaralli etc. as well as from the chaya ver or the root, veru that gave colour chayam

which was also called Imburol / Inbooral in Tamil or Siddha Medicine and Chitraval in folk languages such as in Maharashtra. This root also has medicinal properties and was used to cure various ailments such as asthma, skin and blood disorders etc.

Due to its medicinal properties, Madder has also been used in traditional medicine for its antibacterial properties. Which is why, we see its usage in Rangoli, Kolam, the art of decorating the front of houses.

The porch of houses would be smeared with dried cow dung, another antibacterial substance. On this surface, a layer of madder would be applied and then white rice powder was used to draw lines and designs on it as contrast.

The cowdung and madder kept infections at bay while the rice powder kept the front porch decorated as well served as food for other smaller insects. So many purposes served by this one act.

This was the reasons why the Rishi and saints of yore chose this colour for clothes.

Dipping in madder dye was making them more hygienic.

Source: @Bharathgyan