Arrange the following major advances in Indian Epigraphy in chronological order, beginning from the earliest to the most recent.

(A) First issue of Epigraphia Indica
(B) James Prinsep deciphers the Asokan Brahmi
(C) First issue of Epigraphia Carnatica
(D) Founding of the Asiatic Society (Bengal)

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

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

The correct answer is Option (2) → (D), (B), (C), (A)

(D) Founding of the Asiatic Society (Bengal): This took place in 1784 by Sir William Jones, marking the beginning of systematic research into Indian history and scripts.

(B) James Prinsep deciphers the Asokan Brahmi: This major breakthrough occurred in 1837, allowing historians to read the edicts of Emperor Ashoka for the first time.

(C) First issue of Epigraphia Carnatica: This series, documenting inscriptions from the Mysore region, was first published in 1886 by B. Lewis Rice.

(A) First issue of Epigraphia Indica: This official journal of the Archaeological Survey of India was first published in 1888 (as a volume) to provide a platform for the publication of Indian inscriptions.