Explanation:

- C paid Rs. 15,288 for the article.

- C bought it at a 9% loss from B.

- If C paid Rs. 15,288, then B sold it at a price such that Rs. 15,288 is 91% of it (since 100% - 9% = 91%).

- Original price B sold = 15,288 / 0.91 = Rs. 16,800.

- B bought the article at a 12% profit from A.

- If B bought it for Rs. 16,800, that means 16,800 is 112% of the price A sold it to B (100% + 12% = 112%).

- Original price A sold = 16,800 / 1.12 = Rs. 15,000.

So, A purchased the article for Rs. 15,000, which corresponds to:

Option: 1 – 15,000

.