Explanation:

- Namitha gives a 20% discount, meaning the selling price is 80% of the marked price. For an item marked at Rs. 280, the selling price becomes Rs. 224 (i.e., 280 × 0.8).

- She makes a 12% profit. Therefore, the selling price is 112% of the cost price.

- Let the cost price be Rs. X. Then, 112% of X = Rs. 224 (since the selling price is Rs. 224). So, X = 224 / 1.12, which simplifies to Rs. 200.

- Thus, the cost price of an item with a marked price of Rs. 280 is Rs. 200.

- Given the options:

- Option 1: Rs 215

- Option 2: Rs 210

- Option 3: Rs 212

- ?? Option 4: Rs 200

Hence, option 4 is correct.