The correct answer is option 'B' - East India Company.

Explanation:
The travels of Buchanan were funded by the East India Company. Let's delve into the details to understand this answer further.

1. The East India Company:
The East India Company was a British trading company that had a significant presence in India during the colonial era. It was granted a royal charter by Queen Elizabeth I in 1600, giving it a monopoly on English trade with the East Indies.

2. Buchanan's Travels:
Francis Buchanan, also known as Francis Hamilton, was a Scottish physician and naturalist who conducted extensive research and surveys in India during the early 19th century. His travels covered various regions of India, including Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh.

3. Purpose of Buchanan's Travels:
Buchanan's travels had multiple objectives. He conducted botanical, zoological, and geological surveys, documenting the flora, fauna, and natural resources of the region. Additionally, he also studied the social, economic, and cultural aspects of the areas he visited.

4. Sponsorship by the East India Company:
The East India Company sponsored Buchanan's travels in order to further their understanding of the Indian subcontinent. The company had a vested interest in gathering information about the region's natural resources, trade routes, and socio-cultural dynamics.

5. Cost Coverage:
As Buchanan's travels were commissioned by the East India Company, they bore the financial responsibility for his expeditions. The company provided funding for his transportation, accommodation, research materials, and other associated expenses.

6. Benefits to the East India Company:
By sponsoring Buchanan's travels, the East India Company gained valuable insights into the natural resources and potential trade opportunities in the regions he explored. This information was beneficial for their commercial activities, including the extraction of resources, establishment of trade routes, and overall governance of their territories.

In conclusion, the East India Company bore the costs of Buchanan's travels as part of their efforts to gather information and further their interests in India.