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
1851
The 'Codex Sinaiticus' is one of the oldest surviving manuscripts of:
Answer:
The Christian Bible
It is one of the two oldest surviving manuscripts of the Greek Bible, containing the oldest complete New Testament.
1852
The 'Lewis Chessmen' are famous chess pieces made from what material?
Answer:
Walrus ivory and whale tooth
Discovered in Scotland, these 12th-century chess pieces are carved from walrus ivory and whale teeth.
1853
The 'Bayeux Tapestry' depicts which historical event?
Answer:
The Norman Conquest of England
It is an embroidered cloth nearly 70 metres long which depicts the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England in 1066.
1854
Where are the 'Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom' kept?
Answer:
The Tower of London
The Crown Jewels have been kept at the Tower of London since the 17th century.
1855
The 'Code of Hammurabi', one of the oldest deciphered writings of significant length, is a:
Answer:
Legal code
It is a Babylonian legal text composed c. 1755–1750 BC, famous for the 'eye for an eye' principle.
1856
The 'Diamond Sutra', found in Dunhuang, China, is famous for being:
Answer:
The oldest known dated printed book
The British Library holds the Diamond Sutra, which bears a date equivalent to 868 AD, making it the earliest complete survival of a dated printed book.
1857
The 'Elgin Marbles' (Parthenon Sculptures) are a source of diplomatic dispute between the UK and:
Answer:
Greece
Greece has long demanded the return of the sculptures removed from the Parthenon by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century.
1858
What is the 'Cylinder of Cyrus' often cited as?
Answer:
The first declaration of human rights
The Cyrus Cylinder is an ancient clay cylinder that some historians cite as an early charter of human rights.
1859
The 'Codex Leicester', a collection of scientific writings by Leonardo da Vinci, is owned by:
Answer:
Bill Gates
Bill Gates purchased the Codex Leicester in 1994 for $30.8 million.
1860
Which famous diamond, housed in the Smithsonian, is notoriously said to be cursed?
Answer:
Hope Diamond
The Hope Diamond is a blue diamond legendary for the supposed curse that befalls its owners.