A vast array of colorants obtained from natural sources such as plants, insects/animals and microbes have
been scrutinized in recent past for their use in different kinds of applications. Research into new natural
dyes sources along with eco-friendly, robust and cost-effective technologies for their processing and
application have greatly aided in widening the scope of natural dyes in various traditional and advanced
application disciplines. This review encompasses a summary of research performed in last 15 years (1998
e2013) in different arenas of applications of natural dyes, with specific reference to technological
development in natural textile dyeing and use of natural dyes in functional finishing of textiles, food
coloration and dye-sensitized solar cells. In addition, some newly discovered applications of natural dyes
have also been discussed.