Arrange the following major historical events in chronological order, beginning with the earliest to the most recent.

(A) Reign of Cholas, Cheras and Pandyas in south India and Satavahanas in the Deccan
(B) Rise of Chalukyas in Karnataka and Pallavas in Tamil Nadu
(C) Accession of Chandragupta Maurya
(D) Invasion of Alexander of Macedon

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(D), (C), (A), (B)

The correct answer is Option (4) → (D), (C), (A), (B)

Timeline Analysis

• (D) Invasion of Alexander of Macedon: This occurred in 326 BCE. Alexander crossed the Indus River and fought the Battle of the Hydaspes against King Porus.
• (C) Accession of Chandragupta Maurya: This happened shortly after Alexander's departure, approximately in 321 BCE. He founded the Mauryan Empire after overthrowing the Nanda Dynasty.
• (A) Reign of Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas, and Satavahanas: These dynasties represent the early historical period of South India and the Deccan, roughly spanning from 200 BCE to 200 CE (the Sangam Age for the southern kingdoms and the height of Satavahana power).
• (B) Rise of Chalukyas in Karnataka and Pallavas in Tamil Nadu: These were early medieval dynasties. Their rise to prominence occurred much later, around the 6th century CE (e.g., Pulakeshin I of the Chalukyas and Simhavishnu of the Pallavas).

The Chronological Order

1. Invasion of Alexander (326 BCE) — (D)
2. Accession of Chandragupta Maurya (321 BCE) — (C)
3. Early Southern Kingdoms & Satavahanas (c. 200 BCE onwards) — (A)
4. Rise of Chalukyas & Pallavas (c. 500–600 CE) — (B)

The correct order is: (D), (C), (A), (B)