A symbol of India’s freedom struggle, handloom attire was once regarded as fit only for politicians and villagers.It is now seeing a revival, with demand growing for sustainable and ethical fashion, even as mass-market clothing still dominates malls and pavement stalls.

“There’s a greater desire among the youth and the middle class, who are frustrated with dirty politics and crooked companies, for something better,” said Arvind Singhal, chief executive of retail consultancy Technopak Advisors.”Having a greater sensitivity to people and the environment is ‘in’, and people are even willing to pay a small premium for what they perceive to be ethical and responsible,” he said.India is among the biggest manufacturers of textiles and apparel in the world, supplying leading international…