Importance of colour in human life

By – Arunapyari Salam
Since the olden times, when Manipur was ruled by kings ,the Meitei women in the plains and tribal women on the hills, they dyed their woven fabrics with barks, leaves, flowers of trees, which are fast colours. Printing of the fabrics have started after the death of Lord Pakhangba, our ancestor, the Python God and the pattern KHAMEN CHAPPA or KHAMU CHAPPA as modified form of the dorsal skin of the god in snake form and Moirangphi design ,as the teeth of the our god, was popularized, using such design printed clothes as MANAPHEE/PRIZE CLOTH given by kings to victorious army Generals and distinguished noblemen . Natural dyes and Reagents or Mordants have been used in the most ancient civilizations, namely Aryan, Egyptian, Roman, Greece, Aztec, Mayan etc. also and it can be proudly said that our state, being a country, which spread its land area upto Burma,now Myanmar, was ancient and famous, like the above mentioned civilisations.
Vegetable dyeing was started in Manipur or Kangleipak, during the reign of King Taothing Mang (264-364D) and it was progressed during the reign of King Yang –Lou- Kei – Phaba (967 -984 AD), who introduced the Hija Mayek, latter known as Hijam Mayek, with colourful dyes which were worn only by the ladies of the Royal family. It was during the reign of King Loyumba (1074 – 1122 AD), the traditional system of dyeing clothes with different varieties of plant leaves, flowers, fruits and barks were flourished. Thus going through historical records and writings by textile experts, and oral renditions, it is found that people of Manipur are very talented, artistic and understood the importance of colours in human lives
Colours played an important role in our lives and how we respond to our surroundings. It influence our perspectives and emotions. It also shows our identity and our characteristics in our relations with others.
Colours are used to create style and appeal as it create an aesthetic feeling when used together as they commonly accompany each other in colour schemes. Thus a basic colour scheme will use two colours that look appealing together. Colour theory is both the science and art of using colour. It explains how humans perceive colour, and the visual effects of how colour mix, match or contrast with each other. So, Colour theory will help in building brands and get more sales.
People decide whether or not they like a product in 90 seconds or less. 90% of that decision is based solely on colour. So, as the Research and Development work is going on by me to focus on industrial aspects of extracting organic dyes, pigments and, reagents as mordants or catalyst for designing, production and marketing of various handloom, handicraft and MSME items, for non-stop continuation of demand and supply chain after 2 years of Covid 19 world pandemic which throws life out of gear in Manipur like any other part of the globe, mobilesing and grooming of unemployeds for job and income generation will be taken special care.