Correct answer: (a) 2, 4, 3 and 1
Explanation
- A
2, 4, 3 and 1
(a) 2, 4, 3 and 1. Defeat of Shuja near Banaras (February 1658) precedes Victory at Dharmat (April 1658), followed by the Battle of Samugarh (May 1658) and finally the Battle of Deorai (March 1659). This correctly sequences the war of succession events during Aurangzeb's rise to power, making it the right chronological choice.
- B
1, 3, 4 and 2
(b) 1, 3, 4 and 2. This option starts with the Battle of Deorai which actually occurred last among these events in March 1659. Therefore, this cannot be the correct chronological sequence.
- C
3, 4, 2 and 1
(c) 3, 4, 2 and 1. This option begins with the Battle of Samugarh, which took place in May 1658 after both the Dharmat and Banaras engagements. Hence, this arrangement is incorrect.
- D
4, 2, 1 and 3
(d) 4, 2, 1 and 3. This option incorrectly places the Victory at Dharmat first, whereas the defeat of Shuja near Banaras occurred earlier in February 1658. Thus, this sequence is wrong.
Summary. Official key is (a) 2, 4, 3 and 1. The war of succession among Shah Jahan's sons began with early clashes such as the defeat of Shuja near Banaras in February 1658. This was followed by the imperial victory at Dharmat in April 1658 and the decisive Battle of Samugarh in May 1658. The final conflict took place at Deorai in March 1659, sealing Aurangzeb's victory. Option (a) is the only sequence that arranges these four key historical battles in correct chronological order.