The correct answer is option 'c': The British remained perpetual foreigners and most Englishmen, working and trading in India, had plans to return to Britain.

Explanation:
During the period of colonial rule in India, the British differed from earlier powers that had come to India in several ways.

1. Settlement in India:
- Many Britishers made India their home: Unlike earlier powers, such as the Mughals or the Portuguese, who had settled in India and integrated themselves into the local society, the British did not make India their permanent home. They were primarily interested in economic exploitation and maintaining political control rather than assimilating into Indian culture or society.

2. Priority given to territorial acquisitions:
- Britain was the only power and the first which gave priority to territorial acquisitions below trade: While earlier powers had primarily focused on establishing trade relations and extracting wealth from India, the British East India Company and later the British Empire gave priority to territorial acquisitions. They aimed to establish direct political control over large parts of India, which eventually led to the colonization of the subcontinent. This approach was different from earlier powers that had mostly engaged in trade without seeking extensive political control.

3. Perpetual foreigners:
- The British remained perpetual foreigners: Unlike the earlier powers, the British did not integrate themselves into Indian society or culture. They maintained a distinct identity as foreigners and did not adopt Indian customs or traditions. This was partly due to their belief in racial and cultural superiority, which reinforced their sense of being separate from the local population.

4. Intentions to return to Britain:
- Most Englishmen, working and trading in India, had plans to return to Britain: Unlike earlier powers that had settled in India and established long-term connections, the British officials and traders saw their time in India as temporary. They often came to India for a limited period, with the intention of returning to Britain once they had accumulated wealth or achieved their career goals. This further reinforced the perception of the British as outsiders in India.

In conclusion, the British differed from earlier powers in India by not settling permanently, giving priority to territorial acquisitions, considering themselves perpetual foreigners, and having plans to return to Britain. These factors contributed to their distinct approach to ruling India and their eventual establishment of colonial rule.