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
20261
Which Muslim general conquered Spain (Al-Andalus) in 711 AD?
Answer:
Tariq bin Ziyad
Tariq bin Ziyad led the expedition across the strait (now Gibraltar) in 711 AD, initiating the Muslim rule in Spain (اندلس).
20262
Who was the founder of the Umayyad Dynasty?
Answer:
Ameer Muawiyah (RA)
Ameer Muawiyah (RA) founded the Umayyad Caliphate (بنو امیہ) in 661 AD, moving the capital from Kufa to Damascus.
20263
In which year did the Conquest of Mecca take place?
Answer:
8 AH
The Conquest of Mecca (فتح مکہ) occurred in Ramadan 8 AH (630 AD) when Muslims entered the city peacefully.
20264
Which Caliph is known as 'Jami-ul-Quran' (Compiler of the Quran)?
Answer:
Hazrat Usman (RA)
Hazrat Usman (RA) is called Jami-ul-Quran because he standardized the recitation of the Quran and distributed copies (مصاحف) to various provinces to ensure unity.
20265
The Treaty of Hudaibiya was signed in which Hijri year?
Answer:
6 AH
The Treaty of Hudaibiya (صلح حدیبیہ) was a pivotal peace treaty signed in 6 AH (628 AD) between the Prophet (PBUH) and the Quraish tribe.
20266
What was the first battle fought between the Muslims and the Quraish of Mecca?
Answer:
Battle of Badr
The Battle of Badr (غزوہ بدر) was the first major battle, fought on the 17th of Ramadan, 2 AH (624 AD), resulting in a decisive Muslim victory.
20267
In which year was Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) born?
Answer:
571 AD
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born in 571 AD in Mecca. This year is also known as the Year of the Elephant (عام الفیل), marking the failed invasion of Mecca by Abraha.
20268
In the Maratha administration, the **Peshwa** was the equivalent of the modern-day:
Answer:
Prime Minister
The Peshwa was the most important minister in Shivaji's *Ashta Pradhan* and was the Chief Executive and Prime Minister of the state. Over time, the Peshwas became the de facto rulers of the Maratha Empire, holding the most significant administrative power.
20269
Which Italian city is widely regarded as the **birthplace of the Renaissance** and was dominated by the powerful Medici family?
Answer:
Florence
Florence, Italy, is universally considered the cradle of the Renaissance. It became a hub of artistic and intellectual innovation in the 14th and 15th centuries, largely due to the patronage and political influence of the wealthy and powerful Medici banking family.
20270
The medieval Muslim traveler and geographer **Al-Biruni** wrote extensive accounts of India and its sciences, visiting during the invasions of which ruler?
Answer:
Mahmud of Ghazni
Abu Rayhan al-Biruni (973–1048 AD) was a polymath from Central Asia who traveled to the Indian subcontinent with the invading forces of Mahmud of Ghazni. His work, *Kitab fi Tahqiq ma li'l-Hind* (commonly known as *Kitab-ul-Hind*), is a meticulous study of Indian culture, science, and religion.