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
20341
Who was the founder of the Tughlaq Dynasty, which succeeded the Khalji Dynasty in the Delhi Sultanate in 1320 AD?
Answer:
Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq
Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, originally Ghazi Malik, founded the Tughlaq Dynasty in 1320 AD. He was a capable ruler who restored order after the unrest following the end of the Khalji dynasty and encouraged agriculture, and was succeeded by his son, Muhammad bin Tughluq.
20342
The magnificent **Hagia Sophia** in Constantinople, considered a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, was originally built as a/an:
Answer:
Eastern Orthodox Cathedral
The Hagia Sophia (meaning 'Holy Wisdom') was completed in 537 AD under Emperor Justinian I. It served as the primary Eastern Orthodox cathedral and imperial mosque for centuries, and is celebrated for its massive dome and innovative use of space and light.
20343
Which prominent Queen of the Deccan region bravely defended the fort of Ahmednagar against the forces of the Mughal Emperor Akbar?
Answer:
Chand Bibi
Chand Bibi (c. 1550–1599 AD) was the regent of the Ahmednagar Sultanate. She is famed for personally leading the defense of the Ahmednagar fort against the invasion by the Mughal Emperor Akbar's army in 1595, showing great courage and military skill.
20344
Which Byzantine Emperor is famous for codifying Roman law into the definitive legal work known as the *Corpus Juris Civilis* (Justinian's Code)?
Answer:
Justinian I
Justinian I (reigned 527–565 AD) commissioned the compilation and reorganization of all existing Roman laws. This massive undertaking resulted in the *Corpus Juris Civilis*, which not only synthesized old and new Roman law but also provided the foundation for civil law systems in many Western nations, influencing jurisprudence for centuries.
20345
The medieval term **'Fyrd'** in Anglo-Saxon England referred to:
Answer:
The collective defense force or militia of free men
The *Fyrd* was the army of Anglo-Saxon England, composed of free men who were required to serve in the defense of their shires and the kingdom when called upon by the King or local authority.
20346
Who was the ruler of the Mughal Empire when the Deccan Queen **Chand Bibi** defended Ahmednagar against the Mughals?
Answer:
Akbar
Chand Bibi, the Sultan of Bijapur and regent of Ahmednagar, is famous for her valiant defense of the Ahmednagar fort against the invading forces of the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century.
20347
The **Dilwara Temples** at Mount Abu are a famous group of intricately carved temples belonging to which religion?
Answer:
Jainism
The Dilwara Temples, built between the 11th and 13th centuries, are a collection of stunningly intricate white marble temples that are major pilgrimage sites for Jains. They are famous for their exceptional architectural beauty and detailed carving.
20348
Which of the following was a major impact of the **Black Death** on the feudal system in Europe?
Answer:
A labor shortage that increased the bargaining power and wages of peasants
The massive death toll from the Black Death drastically reduced the labor supply, leading to a shortage of workers. This increased the value of labor, allowing surviving peasants (serfs) to demand better wages, rents, and conditions, ultimately hastening the decline of the feudal system.
20349
In the context of the Mughal administration, a **'Jagirdar'** was a person who was granted a *jagir* (a revenue assignment in lieu of a cash salary). What was he *not* allowed to do?
Answer:
Own the land in the *jagir* as hereditary private property
A Jagirdar was an assignee of land revenue, not the owner of the land. The *jagir* was a temporary assignment, theoretically transferable every few years to prevent the Jagirdars from becoming permanent, hereditary rulers of the assigned territory.
20350
Which event in 1066 AD led to a profound shift in English governance, culture, and language during the medieval period?
Answer:
The Norman Conquest
The Norman Conquest, led by William the Conqueror after the Battle of Hastings in 1066, replaced the Anglo-Saxon elite with a new French-speaking Norman aristocracy, fundamentally changing the feudal system, military, language, and architecture of England.