“For decades, many of us grew up using crayons labelled ‘Indian Red’. That name, however, quietly disappeared around 1999, even as the pigment itself remained.” The phrase doesn’t refer to a colour change, but to the rethinking of terminology steeped in colonial history. 

What was once marketed as “Indian Red” derived from natural earth pigments used historically in art—rich reddish‐brown tones with cultural resonance. But as awareness grew about how language and identity intersect, many manufacturers and educators decided to phase out the naming because of its colonial overtones and potential for misunderstanding. 

The change was not sudden or broadly announced: many older boxes still show the old name, while newer ones simply use “Red Oxide,” “Brown Red,” or other descriptive terms. Some argue the renaming is part of broader decolonisation efforts in art, toys, education, and culture—responding to demands for more sensitive, inclusive language in everyday products.

Critics note that while the name shifted, the colour’s essence and use did not—only its label did. The evolution of “Indian Red” is a small but telling example of how we can rethink language, symbols, and memory in the things we take for granted.