The correct answer is: a) Appointment of British officials.
The British East India Company established a trading post in Punjab in 1613. In 1849, after the Anglo-Sikh War, the British annexed Punjab and made it a province of British India. The British introduced a system of direct rule in Punjab, which involved the appointment of British officials to all important positions in the government. The British also introduced a number of reforms, including the introduction of a new legal system, the establishment of schools and hospitals, and the construction of roads and railways.
The British system of direct rule was unpopular with many Punjabis, who felt that it was a violation of their traditional customs and way of life. There were a number of uprisings against British rule, including the Ghadar Rebellion of 1915. However, the British were able to suppress these uprisings and maintain their control over Punjab until the end of British rule in India in 1947.
Option b) Collaboration with local rulers is incorrect because the British did not collaborate with local rulers in Punjab. The British appointed British officials to all important positions in the government and did not consult with local rulers on any matters.
Option c) Respect for traditional customs is incorrect because the British did not respect traditional customs in Punjab. The British introduced a number of reforms that were seen as a violation of traditional customs, such as the introduction of a new legal system and the establishment of schools and hospitals.
Option d) Limited self-governance is incorrect because the British did not allow any self-governance in Punjab. The British appointed British officials to all important positions in the government and did not allow any participation by Punjabis in the government.