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
20621
Which civilization developed the concept of the 'mandate of heaven' (*Tianming*), used to justify the rule of the Emperor of China?
Answer:
Zhou Dynasty
The **Mandate of Heaven** (*Tianming* - آسمانی فرمان) was a philosophical concept that originated during the **Zhou Dynasty** (c. 1046–256 BCE). It posited that Heaven granted the emperor the right to rule, provided he governed justly and wisely. A tyrannical or incompetent ruler would lose this mandate, justifying his overthrow.
20622
The city of **Mohenjo-Daro**, a major urban center of the Indus Valley Civilization, is famously known for its sophisticated **Great Bath**. In which modern-day country is this site located?
Answer:
Pakistan
**Mohenjo-Daro** is an archaeological site in the province of Sindh, **Pakistan**. Along with Harappa, it was one of the largest and most advanced settlements of the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 2500–1900 BCE), noted for its highly organized city planning and structures like the 'Great Bath' and 'Great Granary'.
20623
The period of peace and prosperity in the Roman Empire, lasting for about 200 years, starting with the reign of Augustus, is known as the:
Answer:
Pax Romana
The **Pax Romana** (Roman Peace) was a long period of relative peace, minimal expansion by military force, and stable rule within the Roman Empire that lasted approximately 207 years, from 27 BCE (the start of Augustus's reign) to 180 CE (the death of Marcus Aurelius). This era saw immense infrastructural development and economic growth.
20624
Which of the following is considered the oldest sacred text of Hinduism and one of the oldest extant texts in any Indo-European language?
Answer:
Rigveda
The **Rigveda** is the oldest of the four Vedas and is considered the most ancient religious text of Hinduism. Composed in Vedic Sanskrit, its core dates back to the late Bronze Age (c. 1500–1200 BCE) and consists of 1,028 hymns (*suktas*) dedicated to various deities.
20625
The famous battle where Alexander the Great decisively defeated the Persian King Darius III, leading to the collapse of the Achaemenid Empire, was the Battle of:
Answer:
Gaugamela
The **Battle of Gaugamela** (331 BCE) was the final and decisive battle in the campaign of Alexander the Great against the Achaemenid Persian Empire. After this victory, Darius III fled, and Alexander went on to capture major cities like Babylon and Susa, effectively ending the Persian Empire.
20626
The philosopher who taught Plato and was sentenced to death by hemlock for 'corrupting the youth' of Athens was:
Answer:
Socrates
**Socrates** (470–399 BCE) was a foundational figure in Western philosophy. He taught through questioning (*Socratic method*) and was the mentor of Plato. He was eventually tried and convicted in 399 BCE on charges of impiety and corrupting the young men of Athens, leading to his execution by drinking hemlock.
20627
The capital of the Mauryan Empire in ancient India, founded by Chandragupta Maurya, was:
Answer:
Pataliputra
**Pataliputra** (present-day Patna) was the capital city of the powerful **Mauryan Empire**, particularly under its most famous emperors, Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka the Great. Its strategic location at the confluence of several rivers made it a major center for trade and administration.
20628
The Great Pyramid of Giza was primarily built as a tomb for which Egyptian Pharaoh?
Answer:
Khufu
The Great Pyramid of Giza, the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza complex, was commissioned by the Pharaoh **Khufu** of the Fourth Dynasty, who reigned in the early 26th century BCE. It is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World to remain largely intact.
20629
The 'Code of Hammurabi' belongs to which ancient civilization and is famous for its principle of 'an eye for an eye'?
Answer:
Babylonia
The Code of Hammurabi was one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes, proclaimed by the Babylonian king **Hammurabi**, who reigned from 1792 to 1750 BCE. It established consistency in laws and punishments, introducing the concept of *lex talionis* (the law of retaliation), often summarized as 'an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth'.
20630
Which ancient civilization is credited with inventing cuneiform, one of the earliest known forms of writing?
Answer:
Mesopotamia (Sumerians)
Cuneiform is a system of writing developed by the **Sumerians** in **Mesopotamia** (specifically in Sumer) around 3200 BCE. It is characterized by wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets. This invention was crucial for record-keeping, literature, and law, making it one of the most significant early developments in human history.