The correct answer is: a) Western education.
The British established new educational institutions in Punjab that emphasized Western education. This was done in order to create a class of Indians who were familiar with Western ideas and values, and who could help to administer the British Raj. The new schools taught subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and history. They also taught Western values such as individualism, secularism, and democracy.
Option b) is incorrect because religious studies were not emphasized in the new educational institutions. The British did not want to promote religious conflict, and they believed that Western education would help to create a more secular society.
Option c) is incorrect because traditional Indian knowledge systems were not emphasized in the new educational institutions. The British believed that these systems were outdated and irrelevant.
Option d) is incorrect because vocational training was not emphasized in the new educational institutions. The British wanted to create a class of Indians who were educated in Western subjects, not in vocational skills.