Final answer:
The correct chronological order of the Indian emperors is Asoka, Chandra Gupta I, Samudra Gupta, Chandra Gupta II. Asoka ruled in the Mauryan dynasty followed by the Gupta dynasty emperors who contributed greatly to arts and sciences, including the use of zero and calculation of pi.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct order of the Indian emperors, beginning with the earliest, is Asoka, Chandra Gupta I, Samudra Gupta, Chandra Gupta II.
This sequence reflects the historical chronology of these rulers' reigns, with the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka preceding the Gupta dynasty emperors. Specifically, Ashoka the Great was an emperor of the Maurya Dynasty who ruled from approximately 268 to 232 BCE and is well-known for spreading Buddhism after his conversion.
Following the collapse of the Mauryan Empire, the Gupta dynasty rose to prominence with Chandragupta I founding the empire around 320 CE. His successors, including his son Samudragupta and later Chandragupta II, further expanded and consolidated the empire, especially in northern India.
The Gupta period is often celebrated for its advancements in art, literature, science, and mathematics, marking a classical age in Indian civilization. The Guptas' patronage of the arts and sciences led to significant contributions such as the use of the number zero and the calculation of pi (π).