Before the Namgyals, the Lepcha people of Sikkim had their own chieftains known as:

The correct answer is: c) Gyalpo.

A Gyalpo is a Lepcha word for a chief or a king. The Lepcha people of Sikkim had their own chieftains known as Gyalpo before the Namgyals came to power. The Gyalpo was the head of the Lepcha community and was responsible for leading the community in all aspects of life. The Gyalpo was also responsible for settling disputes and maintaining law and order in the community.

The other options are incorrect.

• Pano is a Lepcha word for a village headman.
• Thikadar is a Lepcha word for a tax collector.
• Lopen is a Lepcha word for a Buddhist monk.