The correct answer is (c). Polygars were territorial administrative and military governors in South India. They were appointed by the Nayak rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire to oversee the administration of their territories. Polygars were responsible for collecting taxes, maintaining law and order, and raising troops. They were also granted extensive powers to rule their territories as they saw fit.
(a) Ordinary Zarnidars were tax collectors in the Mughal Empire. They were appointed by the Mughal emperor to collect taxes from the peasants. Zarnidars were not given any administrative or military powers.
(b) Mahajans were wealthy merchants in South India. They were not involved in the administration or military affairs of the region.
(d) Newly enriched traders were not involved in the administration or military affairs of South India.