India has a rich and vibrant history dating back thousands of years. Throughout its long history, certain colors have come to be associated with royalty and power. In this article, we will explore the royal colors of India and their historical significance.
Saffron
One of the most iconic royal colors of India is saffron. Often called bhagwa in Hindi, saffron is a bright reddish-orange hue. This color has deep spiritual and cultural importance in India.
In Hinduism, saffron is considered the color of renunciation and spirituality. Hindu monks and ascetics often wear simple saffron robes to show their detachment from material possessions. Saffron is also used to dye the flags that fly above Hindu temples.
Historically, saffron dye was rare and expensive to produce. As a result, it became a status symbol of royalty and the upper classes. Many famous Indian empires used saffron as an imperial color, including:
- The Maurya Empire (322–185 BCE)
- The Chola Dynasty (300s BCE–1200s CE)
- The Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1646 CE)
- The Maratha Empire (1674–1818 CE)
These empires would use saffron in royal robes, banners, flags, and military uniforms as a display of power and prestige. Saffron remains closely associated with Hinduism and Indian culture today.
White
White is another significant royal color in India. In many cultures, white symbolizes purity, peace, and innocence. For centuries, Indian royalty wore white garments and accessories.
One example is the traditional men’s garment called the Jama. Worn by Mughal emperors and elites, the white Jama coat projected authority and status. The intricate embroidery work along the Jama borders further established wealth and nobility.
White was also utilized by royalty in southern India. Kings of the Vijayanagara Empire wore vivid white silk tunics and trousers during ceremonial processions and events. These striking white clothes helped rulers stand out from the crowds and convey their eminent status.
Beyond clothing, white symbolized power and morality in Indian architecture. Palaces, temples, tombs and other structures important to royalty were painted or constructed in white marble. The renowned Taj Mahal mausoleum, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, is the ultimate display of white marble architecture.
Green
Green is lush color that represents nature, prosperity and renewal. It has been an auspicious color closely linked to royalty in India for ages. One of the most famous examples is the Green Dome atop many Mughal-era tombs and mosques.
The vivid jade green domes were often decorated with white marble and black calligraphy. They immediately grabbed attention and became symbols of Mughal sovereignty. Even today, majestic green-domed tombs like Humayun’s Tomb and the Taj Mahal represent the enduring regality of Mughal rulers.
Another shade of green called parrot green was favored by the Maharajas of Rajasthan. Many palaces and forts in Rajasthan showcase parrot green colored rooms and walls. The splash of bright green stood out against the sandy desert landscape and conveyed regal style.
Purple
Purple is a very special royal color in India. For centuries, natural purple dyes were extremely rare, precious, and expensive. As a result, purple clothing and objects became intimately associated with royalty and high status in many cultures, including India.
The city of Patiala in northern India was ruled by an iconic dynasty known as the Patiala royals. This family went down in history for their love of purple. The male rulers wore exquisite amethyst jewelry and clothes dyed in purple to emphasize their royal lineage. Purple turbans and sashes added to their regal aura.
Beyond clothing, the Patiala royals commissioned purple décor and furnishings for their palaces, forts and complexes. From purple curtains to carpets, their lavish patronage of purple conveyed wealth, nobility and sophistication.
Conclusion
Royalty in India has traditionally used color symbolically to convey status, power and cultural values. While numerous colors appear throughout India’s history, certain hues like saffron, white, green, and purple have become quintessential royal colors.
The empires and dynasties that ruled India utilized these colors strategically in architecture, clothing, textiles, jewelry and more. The palette helped rulers showcase their supreme position in society and relationship to spirituality or nature.
Even today, these historic royal colors continue to represent Indian identity and heritage around the world. They connect modern-day India to the glory and grandeur of its celebrated past.
| Color | Significance |
|---|---|
| Saffron | Spirituality, power |
| White | Purity, nobility |
| Green | Nature, prosperity |
| Purple | Luxury, sophistication |
