Recently, due to harmful effect of climate change and other environmental concerns, the interest towards natural dyes has gained momentum. Presently in this high technological era, only aesthetic appeal of natural dyes could not get full attention of consumers. A consumer is attracted towards a type of product which is not only aesthetic but also have some functional properties. Hence considering this functional aspect, various researches are being carried out to find out the new dimensions of natural dyes. Colours and other functional properties can be achieved by various synthetic agents, but the exploration of new functional properties of natural dyes would be beneficial and relevant for the present as well as for the future. This chapter compiles all functional aspects of natural dyes which are related to adding functional properties such as antimicrobial, UV protection, insect repellent, etc. to textiles which can protect the human being from various kinds of harmful effects of surroundings such as UV radiation, microbes, bacteria and other harmful insects. This chapter will not only deal with available methods for analysis of these functional properties of natural dyes but also explore the reason for functional properties of natural dyes.

Stinging nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) is a cellulosic plant fiber which is abundantly available in the upper regions of Himalayas. The stem fibres are pliable which are used to weave or knit fabric. This fiber is very strong, but rigid and inextensible. This has restricted its usage in handmade textile products only. In order to process this fiber on a range of textile machines for development of a variety of products with enhanced performance, the fiber needs to be strong, flexible and extensible. This study was aimed at to increase the fiber tenacity by giving chemical pre-treatment. The effects of various experimental parameters, such as chemical concentration and time on tenacity of nettle fibres were studied. In the study, the chemical pre-treated nettle fibers were examined for their mechanical characteristics and compared to untreated fibers (control sample). The untreated fiber was less flexible and less extensible. A pre-treatment resulted in increase in tenacity and elongation at break. The increase in tensile strength was found to be 5.46 g/den from 3.84 g/den (as in case of control sample) and elongation increased to 3.33% from 1.66%.

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Each and every region of India is famous for its unique, distinctive culture, traditions and heritage. Naqqash community of craftsmen from Telangana produced pictures from Hindu epics like Ramayana, Mahabharata. Telangana is a rich land with wide array of fascinating art forms, unique in style, concept, expression and theme. The present study is a descriptive and exploratory method of research. The purpose of this study is to document the origin, history, motifs, techniques employed in traditional Nirmal arts and crafts. It further opens a new platform for revitalizing a languishing craft and for developing a base for creation of new products with added value. Very few research studies have been carried out in this regard; hence the current research study is initiated to understand and improvise on the current status of Nirmal painting industry. Materials and MethodsThe selected places for the present research study were Hyderabad in Ranga Reddy District and Nirmal city in Nirmal district of