Rogan Paintings

Significance:

The first significance of lac lies in its natural, non-toxic, odorless, and tasteless hard resin, which comes from an insect called “Kerria lacca Kerr.” This insect thrives on many host plants such as Palas, Kusum, Flemingia, and Ber. Lac is the only known commercial resin of animal origin. To produce 1 kg of lac hard resin, around 300,000 insects lose their lives. Perhaps that’s why the name “lac” is derived from the Sanskrit term “laksha,” which means 100,000.

Lac resin, dye, etc., still find extensive use in Ayurveda and Siddha systems of medicine. With increasing universal environmental awareness, the importance of lac has assumed special relevance in the present age, being an eco-friendly, biodegradable, and self-sustaining natural material. Lac constituents are used in various ways, including:

Natural dyeing: Traditionally used to color wool and silk, its color varies between purple-red, brown, and orange, often depending on the mordant used. Also used in inks for non-toxic printing of food packaging.

Polish industry: Lac wax is a mixture of higher alcohols, acids, and their esters. It is used in polishes applied on shoes, floors, automobiles, food, drug tablet finishing, and lipsticks.

Media: Utilized in the preparation of gramophone records and photographic films.

Sealing: In post offices, lac is used for sealing, among other industries for various purposes.

India contributes more than 90% of the commercial production of lac, with states like Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Eastern Maharashtra, and northern Orissa being the major production states. Since lac insects are cultured on host trees primarily growing in wasteland areas, the promotion of lac and its culture can help in ecosystem development as well as reasonably high economic returns. It is a source of livelihood for tribal and poor communities inhabiting forest and sub-forest areas.

In the craft industry, the usage of lac can be seen in many crafts like jewelry, bangle making, or lacquer-polished wooden products like toys, furniture, and utility objects. Artisans in Kachchh have mastered the art of lacquer work, and their creations showcase vibrant and intricate patterns characteristic of this technique.