With reference to medieval India, which one of the following is the correct sequence in ascending order in terms of size?

Option (a) is correct because it follows the Mughal administrative hierarchy in ascending order, where the **Paragana** (a group of villages) was the smallest unit, the **Sarkar** (equivalent to a district) was the intermediate level, and the **Suba** (province) was the largest division. Option (c) is the most tempting wrong choice because it represents the *descending* order, which is the sequence more commonly found in textbooks and often confused with the requested ascending sequence. The core concept being tested is the **territorial administrative organization of the Mughal Empire**, specifically the hierarchical division of land for revenue and governance purposes.