Arrange the following early expansionist campaigns undertaken during Akbar's reign in the correct chronological order (earliest to latest): 1. Conquest of Malwa, leading to the defeat of Baz Bahadur. 2. Submission of the Rajput fortress of Chittor. 3. Annexation of the Gondwana kingdom following the resistance of Rani Durgavati. 4. Capture of the Gwalior fort from the Sur claimant. Select the correct chronological sequence: |ForumIAS

[A] 4 – 1 – 3 – 2

[B] 1 – 4 – 2 – 3

[C] 4 – 3 – 1 – 2

[D] 1 – 2 – 4 – 3

Answer: A

Notes:

Explanation: The correct chronological sequence of these key early campaigns is:

Gwalior (1559 CE): Captured from the Sur Governor, securing a vital fortress in Central India. (4)
Malwa (1561 CE): Defeat of Baz Bahadur by Adham Khan. (1)
Gondwana (1564 CE): Campaign led by Asaf Khan against Rani Durgavati. (3)
Chittor (1567-68 CE): Siege and capture of the capital of Mewar, one of the most significant Rajput strongholds. (2)