The correct answer is (a) Wilson.
Wilson was a British officer who was given the contract of cutting the forests by Tehri riyasat-king Bhawani Shah. He was a timber merchant and contractor who had a long history of working in the forests of the Kumaon region. He was known for his ruthlessness and his willingness to cut down any tree, regardless of its value or its impact on the environment.
Nicholson was a British officer who was also involved in the timber trade in the Kumaon region. However, he was not as ruthless as Wilson and was more concerned with the environment. He was instrumental in the establishment of several forest reserves in the region.
Batton was a British officer who was not involved in the timber trade. He was a military officer who was stationed in the Kumaon region. He was known for his bravery and his leadership skills.
Fraizer was a British officer who was also not involved in the timber trade. He was a civil servant who was stationed in the Kumaon region. He was known for his honesty and his integrity.
Wilson was the most likely candidate to have been given the contract of cutting the forests by Tehri riyasat-king Bhawani Shah. He had the experience, the knowledge, and the connections to make it happen. He was also the most ruthless of the four officers, which would have made him the most appealing to Bhawani Shah.