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
20331
Who was the founder of the Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1451 AD), the fourth dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate, following the invasion of Timur?
Answer:
Khizr Khan
Khizr Khan was the founder of the Sayyid Dynasty. He was the Governor of Multan and was appointed by Timur (Tamerlane) as his deputy after Timur's invasion of India in 1398. Khizr Khan did not take the title of Sultan but ruled as 'Rāyat-i-Aʿlā' (Sublime Banner).
20332
The **Nika Riots** of 532 AD, which threatened to overthrow Emperor Justinian I, were sparked by which groups in Constantinople?
Answer:
The Greens and the Blues (chariot racing factions)
The Nika Riots were massive and violent uprisings in Constantinople starting at the Hippodrome. They were initially protests by the two main chariot racing factions, the Blues and the Greens, against Justinian's administration, but quickly turned into a political revolt to depose him.
20333
Which Sultan of Delhi first ordered the payment of salaries to his soldiers in **cash** rather than granting them *iqtas* (land assignments)?
Answer:
Ala-ud-din Khalji
Ala-ud-din Khalji (reigned 1296–1316 AD) implemented several economic and military reforms, including the practice of paying his standing army in cash. This measure helped him maintain a large, disciplined army and reduce the power of the *iqtadars* (holders of *iqtas*).
20334
Which of the following figures is known as the **'Father of Renaissance Humanism'** for his role in recovering and studying classical Latin manuscripts?
Answer:
Petrarch
Francesco Petrarca, commonly known as Petrarch (1304–1374), was an Italian scholar and poet. He is considered the 'Father of Humanism' because he pioneered the movement of rediscovering, collecting, and promoting the study of classical Greek and Roman literature, which became central to the Renaissance.
20335
The capital city of the Bahmani Sultanate, known for its strong defense and the famous *Madrasa* (Islamic college) of Mahmud Gawan, was originally located at:
Answer:
Gulbarga (Ahsanabad)
The Bahmani Kingdom was founded in 1347 AD with Gulbarga (renamed Ahsanabad) as its capital. The capital was later shifted to Bidar. Gulbarga served as the center of the early Bahmani administration and culture for over 50 years.
20336
The **Third Crusade** (1189–1192) was primarily launched following the capture of Jerusalem in 1187 by which famous Muslim leader?
Answer:
Saladin (Salah ad-Din Yusuf)
Saladin, the founder of the Ayyubid dynasty, decisively defeated the Crusader army at the Battle of Hattin in 1187 and recaptured Jerusalem. This event shocked Europe and prompted the Third Crusade, which was led by Richard the Lionheart, Philip II, and Frederick Barbarossa.
20337
Which department during the Delhi Sultanate dealt with state correspondence and was headed by an official called **Dabir-i-Khas**?
Answer:
Diwan-i-Insha (Correspondence)
The Diwan-i-Insha was the department of the central government responsible for royal correspondence and the maintenance of state records. The head of this department was the Dabir-i-Khas, who drafted royal orders and letters to provincial governors and foreign rulers.
20338
The **Iconoclasm** policy in the Byzantine Empire, implemented by Emperor Leo III, ordered the destruction of which religious items?
Answer:
Sacred pictures and images (Icons)
Iconoclasm (literally 'image breaking') was a policy that prohibited the use of icons—religious images or portraits—in the Eastern Church. Emperor Leo III initiated this policy in the 8th century because he believed the veneration of icons was becoming idolatry, though the practice was later restored.
20339
Which Vijayanagara ruler is known as **'Andhra Bhoja'** and was the author of the Telugu epic poem *Amuktamalyada*?
Answer:
Krishnadevaraya
Krishnadevaraya (reigned 1509–1529 AD) of the Tuluva dynasty was the greatest ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire. He was a patron of the arts and literature, known by the title 'Andhra Bhoja' for his patronage of Telugu literature, and was himself a gifted author, writing *Amuktamalyada*.
20340
In the later Middle Ages, the Catholic Church was temporarily governed by a succession of popes living in Avignon, France, rather than Rome. What was this period called?
Answer:
The Avignon Papacy
The Avignon Papacy (1309–1376) saw seven successive popes reside in Avignon rather than Rome. This period severely undermined the spiritual authority of the Papacy and was heavily criticized by many Europeans who saw it as being unduly influenced by the French monarchy.