Introduction:
The ruin of Indian handicrafts can be attributed to various factors, including competition from prices of raw materials, the raising of prices of raw materials like cotton and leather, and the patronage of British officials and military officers towards their own home-products. These factors collectively led to the decline and devastation of Indian handicrafts during the colonial period.

Competition from prices of raw materials:
Indian handicrafts heavily relied on raw materials such as cotton, leather, metal, and wood. The British, through their policies and trade practices, aimed at controlling and monopolizing the supply of these raw materials. They imposed heavy duties and taxes on the export of raw materials from India, making them expensive and less accessible to Indian artisans. This created a competitive disadvantage for Indian handicrafts, as the cost of raw materials increased, impacting their production and pricing.

Raising of prices of raw materials:
In addition to imposing heavy duties, the British also manipulated the market prices of raw materials like cotton and leather. They controlled the procurement and trade of these materials, artificially inflating the prices to benefit their own industries. This made it difficult for Indian artisans to procure raw materials at affordable rates, further hampering the production and competitiveness of Indian handicrafts.

Patronage of British officials and military officers:
The British officials and military officers stationed in India showed a strong preference for their own home-products rather than Indian handicrafts. They actively promoted and purchased British manufactured goods, neglecting the indigenous crafts of India. This patronage towards British products not only undermined the demand for Indian handicrafts but also discouraged local consumption. As a result, Indian artisans faced a significant decline in their market and struggled to sustain their livelihoods.

Conclusion:
The ruin of Indian handicrafts can be attributed to the combined effect of competition from prices of raw materials, the raising of prices of raw materials like cotton and leather, and the patronage of British officials and military officers towards their own home-products. These factors created a hostile environment for Indian artisans, leading to the decline and devastation of their once flourishing handicraft industry. The impact of this decline is still felt today, with many traditional crafts facing the threat of extinction.