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:

Option 1: (A), (D), (B), (C) -> Incorrectly places southern dynasties before Alexander's invasion and places Chandragupta Maurya last.

Option 2: (D), (A), (C), (B) -> Incorrectly places Chandragupta Maurya after the southern dynasties, when he ruled immediately after Alexander.

Option 3: (B), (D), (C), (A) -> Incorrectly places Chalukyas and Pallavas first, when they actually rose much later (4th-6th century CE).

Option 4: (D), (C), (A), (B) -> Alexander invaded in 326 BCE, followed immediately by Chandragupta Maurya's accession in 322 BCE, then the early Sangam dynasties and Satavahanas (3rd century BCE onwards), and finally Chalukyas and Pallavas (4th-6th century CE onwards).

Hence, Option 4: (D), (C), (A), (B) -> This correctly sequences ancient Indian history: Alexander's invasion (326 BCE) catalyzed Chandragupta Maurya's rise (322 BCE), who founded the Mauryan Empire. After the Mauryan decline, regional powers like the Sangam dynasties and Satavahanas emerged (3rd century BCE-3rd century CE). The Chalukyas and Pallavas rose much later during the post-Gupta period (4th-6th century CE onwards). -> correct