The correct answer is: a) Local chieftains and zamindars.
Palaiyakkarar or Polygar was a title given to local chieftains and zamindars in the Tamil Nadu region of India. They were often powerful and independent rulers, and played a significant role in the history of the region.
Religious leaders, merchant princes, and court officials were also important figures in Tamil Nadu, but they did not typically hold the title of Palaiyakkarar.
Religious leaders were responsible for the spiritual well-being of the people, and they often had a great deal of influence over the political and social life of the region. Merchant princes were wealthy and powerful traders, and they played a major role in the economic development of Tamil Nadu. Court officials were responsible for the administration of the kingdom, and they were often close advisors to the king.
While all of these figures were important in Tamil Nadu, it is clear that the title of Palaiyakkarar was most closely associated with local chieftains and zamindars.