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
22411
Who was the first Caliph of Islam?
Answer:
Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A)
Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) was the first adult male to accept Islam and became the first Caliph after the passing of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), serving from 632 to 634 CE.
22412
When was the Battle of Badr fought?
Answer:
2 A.H
The Battle of Badr was the first major battle between the Muslims and the Quraysh of Mecca. It took place on the 17th of Ramadan, 2 A.H (624 CE). The Muslims, numbering 313, achieved a decisive victory.
22413
What kind of natural disaster caused the collapse of the Colossus of Rhodes after only 56 years?
Answer:
The Colossus of Rhodes stood for a remarkably short time before it was toppled by a powerful **earthquake** in 226 BC. The massive fragments of the bronze statue lay in ruins for over 800 years before they were sold for scrap.
22414
Which specific ancient city, now in Turkey, contained the renowned Temple of Artemis?
Answer:
The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was located in the ancient Greek city of **Ephesus**, on the western coast of Anatolia, which is now part of modern-day Turkey. Halicarnassus housed the Mausoleum.
22415
Including the top platform, how many total steps are on the four sides of the El Castillo pyramid at Chichen Itza?
Answer:
The El Castillo pyramid (Temple of Kukulkan) has 91 steps on each of its four sides, which total 364 steps. Adding the single platform at the top makes a total of **365 steps**, symbolizing the days of the solar year and demonstrating the Maya's advanced astronomical knowledge.
22416
The Taj Mahal, a modern wonder, primarily uses what type of stone for its main structure?
Answer:
The **Taj Mahal** is famed for its construction entirely out of flawless **white marble** from Makrana, Rajasthan. This marble is inlaid with thousands of semi-precious stones in intricate patterns, giving the building its unique luster and beauty.
22417
Which of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World is the only one located in North America?
Answer:
**Chichen Itza**, the ancient Mayan city in the Yucatán Peninsula, is located in Mexico, which is geographically considered part of North America. The Colosseum is in Europe, Christ the Redeemer is in South America, and the Great Wall of China is in Asia.
22418
Which modern-day city in Turkey is located where the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus once stood?
Answer:
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, a wonder of the ancient world, was built in the city of Halicarnassus, which corresponds to the modern seaside city of **Bodrum, Turkey**. Some remnants of the Mausoleum are now housed in the British Museum.
22419
The Colossus of Rhodes, a massive bronze statue and one of the ancient wonders, was a statue of which Greek deity?
Answer:
The Colossus of Rhodes was a monumental statue built to honor the Greek **sun god, Helios**, following Rhodes' victory over the ruler of Cyprus. It was a massive dedication to the island's patron deity.
22420
Who was the architect credited with designing the Pharos of Alexandria, one of the ancient wonders?
Answer:
The Pharos of Alexandria, the famous lighthouse, was designed and completed by the Greek architect **Sostratus of Cnidus** in the 3rd century BC. Imhotep was an Egyptian architect of the Pyramids, Callicrates was a partner in building the Parthenon, and Pheidias sculpted the Statue of Zeus.