General Knowledge MCQs
Topic Notes: General Knowledge
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
1781
Which civilization developed the 'Long Count' calendar?
Answer:
Mayans
The Maya civilization developed the Long Count calendar to track longer periods of time, famous for the 2012 cycle end.
1782
What is the approximate length of a lunar year in the Hijri calendar?
Answer:
354 or 355 days
A lunar year consists of 12 lunar months, totaling roughly 354 or 355 days, which is about 11 days shorter than the solar year.
1783
The Gupta Era usually counts from which year AD?
Answer:
319-320 AD
The Gupta Era is believed to have begun in 319-320 AD, marking the accession of Chandragupta I.
1784
The Year 1 AH (Hijri) corresponds to which year in the Gregorian calendar?
Answer:
622 AD
The Hijrah took place in 622 AD, marking the start of the Islamic lunar calendar.
1785
Which calendar system was the predecessor to the Gregorian calendar?
Answer:
Julian Calendar
The Gregorian calendar was a reform of the Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BC.
1786
What does 'BCE' stand for in modern historical notation?
Answer:
Before Common Era
BCE stands for 'Before Common Era' and is used as a secular alternative to BC (Before Christ).
1787
The Saka Era, used as the Indian national calendar, began in which year?
Answer:
78 AD
The Saka Era was established in 78 AD, traditionally attributed to the Kushan Emperor Kanishka.
1788
Who introduced the Vikram Samvat era?
Answer:
King Vikramaditya
The Vikram Samvat was introduced by King Vikramaditya of Ujjain to commemorate his victory over the Sakas in 57 BC.
1789
To convert a year from the Buddhist Era (BE) to the Gregorian Era (AD) in the Thai system, how many years do you typically subtract?
Answer:
543
The Buddhist Era is generally 543 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar (e.g., 2025 AD = 2568 BE).
1790
The Hijri calendar begins with which significant event in Islamic history?
Answer:
The migration (Hijrah) to Medina
The Hijri era (AH) begins with the Hijrah, the migration of Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD.