The correct answer is option 'A', i.e., End bearing pile.

Explanation:
A pile is a long cylindrical structure made of concrete, steel, or timber that is driven into the ground to provide support for structures like buildings, bridges, or other types of infrastructure. Piles transfer the loads from the superstructure to the underlying soil or rock strata.

There are different types of piles, each with its specific mechanism of load transfer. In the given options, the end bearing pile is the one that obtains most of its carrying capacity at the base of the pile. Let's understand this concept in detail:

1. End Bearing Pile:
An end bearing pile primarily relies on the resistance offered by the firm soil or rock layer at the bottom of the pile to carry the load. This type of pile is usually used when the upper layers of soil are weak or unsuitable to support the load. The pile is driven deep enough to reach a stronger stratum that can provide adequate bearing capacity. The load is transferred to this stratum through the base of the pile.

2. Friction Pile:
A friction pile, on the other hand, derives its load-carrying capacity mainly through the frictional resistance between the pile surface and the surrounding soil. In this case, the entire surface area of the pile comes into play to transfer the load to the soil. Friction piles are typically used in cohesive soils or granular soils where the load can be effectively transmitted through the friction developed along the length of the pile.

3. Composite Pile:
Composite piles combine the characteristics of both end bearing and friction piles. They have a combination of a load-bearing section at the bottom and a frictional section along the upper length of the pile. The load is shared between the end bearing and the frictional resistance depending on the soil conditions.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A' - End bearing pile, as it is the type of pile that obtains most of its carrying capacity at the base of the pile.