The correct answer is: C. Kol
The Kols are an ethnic group native to the Kolhan region of eastern India. They are a tribal people who have been living in the region for centuries. The Kols are known for their fierce independence and their resistance to outside rule. In the 17th century, the Kols were a major threat to the trade route to Kolhan. They would often attack and rob traders who were passing through their territory. This made the trade route unsafe and difficult to use.
The other options are incorrect because:
- The Ho are an ethnic group native to the Chota Nagpur Plateau in eastern India. They are not known for their attacks on trade routes.
- The Nagbanshi are an ethnic group native to the Chhotanagpur Plateau in eastern India. They are not known for their attacks on trade routes.
- The Santhals are an ethnic group native to the Jharkhand and West Bengal states of India. They are not known for their attacks on trade routes in the 17th century.