The correct answer is option 'c) North'. The land grants in North India empowered the recipients to punish thieves and other criminals. Let's delve deeper into the historical context and the significance of land grants in North India.

1. Historical Context:
During ancient and medieval times, land grants were commonly made by rulers to various individuals and groups. These grants were usually given as a reward for military service, administrative support, or religious patronage. The recipients of land grants were known as grantees or landholders.

2. Land Grants in North India:
In North India, land grants were prevalent during the Gupta Empire (4th-6th century) and continued through the medieval period under various dynasties such as the Rajputs, Delhi Sultanate, and Mughals. These grants were known by different names like 'brahmadeya,' 'agrahara,' and 'jagir' in different periods.

3. Empowerment to Punish Thieves and Criminals:
One of the significant privileges conferred upon the grantees of land in North India was the power to punish thieves and other criminals within their granted territories. This was an important aspect of maintaining law and order in the region.

4. Authority and Jurisdiction:
The grantees were granted authority and jurisdiction over their landholdings, which included the power to enforce laws, maintain social order, and administer justice. This meant that the grantees had the right to establish and operate their own legal systems within their territories.

5. Punishment and Administration of Justice:
The grantees exercised their powers to punish thieves and other criminals through their own judicial systems. They could establish courts, appoint judges, and decide upon suitable punishments for the crimes committed within their domains. The extent of punishment varied depending on the severity of the crime and the discretion of the grantee.

6. Significance:
Granting the power to punish thieves and criminals to the grantees served multiple purposes. It helped in decentralizing the administration of justice, reducing the burden on the central government, and ensuring a quick and efficient resolution of disputes. Additionally, it also provided an incentive for the grantees to maintain law and order within their territories, as failure to do so could result in the withdrawal or cancellation of their land grants.

In conclusion, the land grants in North India empowered the recipients with the authority to punish thieves and other criminals. This privilege was granted to maintain law and order and decentralize the administration of justice.