Concept:
Buddhist scholars contributed greatly to:
• philosophy,
• Mahayana Buddhism,
• logic,
• metaphysics,
• and Buddhist literature.
Chronological order questions require understanding the historical period of each scholar.
Step 1: Identifying the earliest scholar.
\[
\text{Nagarjuna}
\]
Nagarjuna was one of the greatest Buddhist philosophers and founder of the Madhyamika school.
He lived approximately during:
\[
2^{nd}\text{ century CE}
\]
Thus:
\[
A = \text{First position}
\]
Step 2: Finding the next scholar.
\[
\text{Matrcheta}
\]
Matrcheta was a Buddhist poet and scholar associated with early Mahayana traditions.
Thus:
\[
C = \text{Second position}
\]
Step 3: Determining the next scholar chronologically.
\[
\text{Chandrakirti}
\]
Chandrakirti was a famous commentator on Madhyamika philosophy and lived during the:
\[
7^{th}\text{ century CE}
\]
Thus:
\[
D = \text{Third position}
\]
Step 4: Identifying the latest scholar.
\[
\text{Shantidev}
\]
Shantideva was associated with Nalanda University and authored:
\[
\textit{Bodhicaryavatara}
\]
He lived after Chandrakirti.
Thus:
\[
B = \text{Fourth position}
\]
Step 5: Writing the correct chronological order.
Therefore:
\[
\boxed{A \rightarrow C \rightarrow D \rightarrow B}
\]
Hence, the correct option is:
\[
\boxed{(2)\ A, C, D \text{ and } B}
\]
Step 6: Importance of Buddhist philosophers.
These scholars shaped:
• Mahayana philosophy,
• Buddhist ethics,
• monastic traditions,
• and Buddhist education.
Their works influenced Buddhism across Asia.