Muhammad of Ghor laid the foundation for Muslim rule in Punjab by defeating:

Prithviraj Chauhan
Mahmud of Ghazni
Babur
Akbar

The correct answer is: a) Prithviraj Chauhan.

Muhammad of Ghor was a 12th-century Turkic ruler who invaded the Indian subcontinent. In 1192, he defeated the Rajput king Prithviraj Chauhan at the Battle of Tarain, which marked the beginning of Muslim rule in India.

Mahmud of Ghazni was a 11th-century Turkic ruler who invaded the Indian subcontinent several times. However, he was unable to establish permanent rule in India.

Babur was a 16th-century Turkic ruler who founded the Mughal Empire in India. He defeated the Rajput king Rana Sanga at the Battle of Khanwa in 1527, which marked the beginning of Mughal rule in India.

Akbar was a 16th-century Mughal emperor who expanded the Mughal Empire to its greatest extent. He was a tolerant ruler who promoted religious harmony.

Prithviraj Chauhan was a 12th-century Rajput king who ruled over the kingdom of Ajmer. He was defeated by Muhammad of Ghor at the Battle of Tarain in 1192.