Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question requires arranging four pivotal events in Indian history, from the beginning of the Mughal Empire to the rise of the British East India Company, in their correct chronological order.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's assign dates to each event:
(A) Babur defeats Ibrahim Lodi...: This event is the First Battle of Panipat, which marked the foundation of the Mughal Empire in India. It occurred in 1526.
(B) Humayun is defeated by Sher Shah...: Humayun was defeated by Sher Shah Suri at the Battle of Chausa (1539) and the Battle of Kannauj (1540). This led to Humayun's exile, during which he took refuge at the Safavid court in Persia in 1544.
(C) Nadir Shah invades India and sacks Delhi: The Persian ruler Nadir Shah invaded India and decisively defeated the Mughal army at the Battle of Karnal, subsequently sacking Delhi. This devastating event took place in 1739.
(D) The 'diwani' of Bengal was transferred...: Following their victory at the Battle of Buxar (1764), the English East India Company was granted the Diwani (the right to collect revenue) of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa by the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II through the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The events are already listed in the correct chronological order: (A) 1526, (B) 1540s, (C) 1739, (D) 1765. Therefore, the correct sequence is (A), (B), (C), (D).