Which one of the following is the correct order of formation of geolog

Which one of the following is the correct order of formation of geological systems in India in terms of their age ? (Starting with the oldest)

Dharwars - Aravallis - Vindhyans - Cuddapahs
Aravallis - Dharwars - Cuddapahs - Vindhyans
Vindhyans - Dharwars - Aravallis - Cuddapahs
Cuddapahs - Vindhyans - Dharwars - Aravallis
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2016
The correct order of formation of these geological systems in India, from oldest to youngest, is Aravallis – Dharwars – Cuddapahs – Vindhyans.
The geological systems listed represent a sequence from the very old Precambrian basement rocks and fold mountains to younger Proterozoic sedimentary basins:
– Aravallis: Represents some of the oldest fold mountains and includes Archaean basement rocks and Proterozoic fold belts (Delhi Supergroup). The Archaean basement is among the oldest rocks.
– Dharwars: Archaean to Early Proterozoic greenstone belts and associated gneisses, found in the Dharwar Craton. Formed after the initial crustal stabilization which included the basement components found in Aravallis.
– Cuddapahs: Lower to Middle Proterozoic sedimentary basin deposits (Purana Group), laid down unconformably over the older Archaean and Dharwar rocks.
– Vindhyans: Upper Proterozoic to Lower Paleozoic sedimentary basin deposits (Purana Group), overlying the Cuddapahs and older formations. The Vindhyans are younger than the Cuddapahs.
Thus, the relative chronological order is generally Aravallis (basement/oldest) -> Dharwars -> Cuddapahs -> Vindhyans.
This sequence is part of the stratigraphic column of the Indian subcontinent, illustrating its formation and evolution over billions of years. The Precambrian era covers a vast span of time and includes the formation of cratons and early mountain building (like Aravallis).