The British Political Officer resided in Gangtok, reflecting their role in:

The correct answer is: a) Advising the Chogyal.

The British Political Officer was a British official who was appointed to advise the Chogyal, the hereditary ruler of Sikkim. The British Political Officer was responsible for maintaining British interests in Sikkim and for ensuring that the Chogyal ruled in accordance with British wishes.

The British Political Officer was based in Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. The British Political Officer’s residence in Gangtok was a symbol of British power and influence in Sikkim.

The other options are incorrect because:

• Option b) Trade and commerce is incorrect because the British Political Officer was not responsible for trade and commerce in Sikkim.
• Option c) Internal governance of Sikkim is incorrect because the British Political Officer did not have the authority to govern Sikkim.
• Option d) Military defense is incorrect because the British Political Officer was not responsible for the military defense of Sikkim.