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
20391
Who was the first Indian ruler to defeat Muhammad of Ghur (or Ghuri) in the First Battle of Tarain in 1191 AD?
Answer:
Prithviraja Chauhan III
Prithviraja Chauhan III, the Chahamana (Chauhan) king of Ajmer and Delhi, defeated Muhammad of Ghur in the First Battle of Tarain in 1191 AD. However, Muhammad of Ghur returned the following year, defeating Prithviraj in the Second Battle of Tarain (1192 AD).
20392
Which Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate was known as **'Lakh Bakhsh'** (Giver of Lakhs) due to his immense generosity?
Answer:
Qutb-ud-din Aibak
Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Slave Dynasty, was known for his generous donations and was thus given the title 'Lakh Bakhsh' or 'Giver of Lakhs.' He also started the construction of the Qutb Minar, which was later completed by Iltutmish.
20393
The **Hanseatic League** was a powerful commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds and market towns primarily in which part of Medieval Europe?
Answer:
Northern Europe along the Baltic and North Seas
The Hanseatic League was a major economic and defensive alliance of trading cities in Northern Europe, particularly active in the Baltic and North Sea regions from the 13th to the 17th centuries, controlling the trade routes for goods like timber, grain, and fish.
20394
Which foreign traveler was a physician to Prince Dara Shikoh and wrote the book *Travels in the Mughal Empire*?
Answer:
François Bernier
François Bernier was a French physician and traveler who visited India during the Mughal Empire. He served as a personal physician to Prince Dara Shikoh and later to the Emperor Aurangzeb. His book, *Travels in the Mughal Empire*, provides a detailed account of the time.
20395
Which dynasty ruled the Byzantine Empire at its height during the 10th and 11th centuries, before the Crusades?
Answer:
Macedonian Dynasty
The Macedonian Dynasty (867–1056 AD) is considered the most successful in Byzantine history, overseeing a period known as the 'Macedonian Renaissance,' which saw territorial expansion, economic prosperity, and cultural flourishing.
20396
Who introduced the **silver *Tanka*** and the **copper *Jital*** coins during the Delhi Sultanate period?
Answer:
Iltutmish
Iltutmish is credited with introducing the pure Arabic coinage in India. He introduced the silver *Tanka*, which weighed 175 grains and was the standard coin, and the copper *Jital* as the lower-denomination coin. This marks a significant development in the coinage of the Sultanate.
20397
The **Magna Carta** (Great Charter), signed by King John of England in 1215, primarily established what principle?
Answer:
The principle that the King is subject to the law (Rule of Law)
The Magna Carta was a foundational document that limited the power of the English monarch, stating that the king was not above the law and protecting certain rights for the 'free men' (mostly the nobility) against arbitrary royal power.
20398
Which Mughal Emperor founded the city of **Fatehpur Sikri** and used it as his capital for a period?
Answer:
Akbar
Akbar founded the city of Fatehpur Sikri (meaning 'City of Victory') in 1571 and made it the capital of the Mughal Empire for about 15 years. The famous **Buland Darwaza** (Gate of Magnificence) was also built here by Akbar to commemorate his victory over Gujarat.
20399
What was the **East-West Schism** of 1054 AD?
Answer:
The split between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church
The East-West Schism (or Great Schism) of 1054 AD was the break of communion between the Latin-led Roman Catholic Church (West) and the Greek-led Eastern Orthodox Church (East), largely over disputes regarding papal authority and doctrinal issues.
20400
Which of the following dynasties is NOT part of the Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526 AD)?
Answer:
Mughal Dynasty
The Delhi Sultanate comprises five dynasties: the Slave, Khalji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodi dynasties. The Mughal Dynasty was established by Babur in 1526 AD after defeating the last Lodi Sultan, Ibrahim Lodi, in the First Battle of Panipat, marking the end of the Delhi Sultanate era.