In some parts of India the plant used to be well known for
treating rabies. Indigo and Gandhi Workers on indigo plantations
played a key role in British India's independence movement.
Gandhi led the battle for their rights and was soon supported by
the poor people of smaller towns and villages, many of whom
worked in indigo factories. The woad connection Consumers are
now favouring natural dyes again so fields of dye crops are
gradually returning. Aside from indigo species, several other
plants also produce blue indigo dyes. Perhaps the best known is
woad, once the major blue dye of Europe. Denim jeans are dyed
with indigo, today from synthetic sources.