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
20831
The 'Reconquista' ended in 1492 with the fall of which Muslim emirate in Spain?
Answer:
Granada (Nasrid Dynasty)
The Emirate of Granada was the last Muslim state in Iberia. Its surrender to Ferdinand and Isabella marked the end of Muslim rule in Spain.
20832
Which Spanish city was known as the 'Ornament of the World' under the Umayyads?
Answer:
Cordoba
Under the Umayyad Caliphate, Cordoba became one of the most advanced and populous cities in the world, known for its Great Mosque and libraries.
20833
The city of Samarra served as the Abbasid capital for a brief period. Who built it?
Answer:
Al-Mu'tasim
Al-Mu'tasim built Samarra in 836 CE to house his new Turkish slave soldiers (Ghilman) and moved the capital there from Baghdad to reduce tensions with the local population.
20834
The 'Barmakids' were a powerful family of viziers under which dynasty?
Answer:
Abbasids
The Barmakids were a Persian family who held immense power and influence as administrators under the early Abbasid Caliphs, especially Harun al-Rashid.
20835
Which Caliph is known for the 'Mihna' (Inquisition) regarding the createdness of the Quran?
Answer:
Al-Mamun
Al-Mamun instituted the Mihna to enforce the Mutazilite doctrine that the Quran was created, persecuting scholars like Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal who disagreed.
20836
The 'Abbasid Revolution' started in which region?
Answer:
Khorasan
The revolution began in Khorasan (northeastern Iran/Central Asia), capitalizing on non-Arab (Mawali) dissatisfaction with Umayyad rule.
20837
Who are the 'Kharijites'?
Answer:
A sect that defected from Ali's army
The Kharijites ('those who went out') defected from Ali's army after he accepted arbitration at Siffin, developing extreme views on takfir and leadership.
20838
The 'Battle of Siffin' was fought between:
Answer:
Ali and Muawiya
The Battle of Siffin (657 CE) was the central conflict of the First Fitna between Caliph Ali and the Governor of Syria, Muawiya.
20839
Which dynasty ruled from Cairo after the Ayyubids and defeated the Mongols at Ain Jalut?
Answer:
The Mamluks
The Mamluk Sultanate (slave soldiers) took power in Egypt and famously defeated the Mongols at the Battle of Ain Jalut in 1260, saving the Muslim world from further destruction.
20840
The term 'Amir al-Mu'minin' means:
Answer:
Commander of the Faithful
This title was first used by Hazrat Umar (R.A) and subsequently by all Caliphs to denote their leadership over the Muslim community.