Consider the following eras in early India: 1. Shaka era 2. Kalachuri era 3. Vikrama era 4. Harsha era 5. Gupta era Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the above eras starting with the earliest?

The chronological sequence of early Indian eras is determined by their historical start dates. The Vikrama era is the earliest, traditionally starting in 58 BC or 57 BC to commemorate a victory over the Shakas [2]. This is followed by the Shaka era, which began in 78 AD and is often attributed to the Kushana king Kanishka [1][2]. The Kalachuri era, also known as the Traikutaka era, was established around 248–249 AD [2]. The Gupta era was founded by Chandragupta I, with its commencement dated to approximately 319–320 AD [2]. Finally, the Harsha era was established by Harshavardhana of Kannauj in 606 AD upon his accession [2]. Therefore, the correct chronological order is Vikrama (58 BC), Shaka (78 AD), Kalachuri (248 AD), Gupta (320 AD), and Harsha (606 AD), corresponding to the sequence 3-1-2-5-4.

Sources

1. [2] https://mis.alagappauniversity.ac.in/siteAdmin/dde-admin/uploads/1/PG_M.A._History%20(English)_321%2011%20_%20Indian%20Civilization%20and%20Culture%20Up%20to%201206%20A.D_MA%5BHistory%5D.pdf
2. [1] https://dn720005.ca.archive.org/0/items/vajiram-and-ravi-mains-2021-ancient-history-printed-notes/Vajiram%20And%20Ravi%20Mains%202021%20Ancient%20History%20Printed%20Notes%20_text.pdf