A
1, 3, 2, 4
B
3, 1, 4, 2
C
3, 1, 2, 4
D
1, 3, 4, 2
Correct answer: (d) 1, 3, 4, 2
Explanation
- A
1, 3, 2, 4
1, 3, 2, 4. Puts Himachal before Uttarakhand.
- B
3, 1, 4, 2
3, 1, 4, 2. Starts with Punjab, larger than Haryana.
- C
3, 1, 2, 4
3, 1, 2, 4. Same false Punjab start.
- D
1, 3, 4, 2
1, 3, 4, 2. Haryana (~44,212 km²) → Punjab (~50,362) → Uttarakhand (~53,483) → Himachal Pradesh (~55,673).
Summary. Official key is (d) 1, 3, 4, 2. Ascending area: Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Himachal. Also note: Smallest State area — Goa, then eastern small States — not this set; Rajasthan largest — Among States by area; Census atlas — Area ranks are Survey of India figures; Uttarakhand vs HP — HP is slightly larger.