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
22431
When were the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World announced?
Answer:
The New Seven Wonders of the Modern World were announced on **July 7, 2007**, following a massive global poll organized by the New7Wonders Foundation. This initiative was created to replace the classical Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, of which only the Great Pyramid of Giza remains standing.
22432
Who built the Taj Mahal, a modern wonder, to honor his deceased wife?
Answer:
The **Taj Mahal**, located in Agra, India, was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal Emperor **Shah Jahan** to house the tomb of his favorite wife, **Mumtaz Mahal**. This white marble mausoleum is a globally recognized masterpiece of Mughal architecture and a symbol of eternal love.
22433
What is the central structure of Chichen Itza, a modern wonder in Mexico?
Answer:
**Chichen Itza**, a large pre-Columbian city built by the Maya in Mexico, is dominated by the **Temple of Kukulkan** (also known as El Castillo). This step-pyramid is a powerful astronomical monument; its four staircases, each with 91 steps, plus the top platform, total 365, symbolizing the days of the solar year.
22434
Why was Machu Picchu, a modern wonder in Peru, likely abandoned?
Answer:
**Machu Picchu**, a 15th-century Inca citadel in Peru, was abandoned about a century after its construction. While a definitive cause isn't known, the most widely accepted theory suggests that the inhabitants were wiped out or forced to leave due to a devastating **smallpox outbreak** and other diseases brought by Spanish conquistadors before the Spanish ever reached the site itself.
22435
What is the primary material of the structures in Petra, a modern wonder in Jordan?
Answer:
**Petra**, in Jordan, is famous for its architecture **carved directly into the sides of rose-colored sandstone cliffs** by the Nabataean Kingdom, particularly the iconic Al-Khazneh (The Treasury). This striking material gives the ancient city its nickname, 'Rose City.'
22436
Which modern wonder in Rome was built to host gladiatorial contests and could seat 50,000 people?
Answer:
The **Colosseum** in Rome, Italy, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, was begun around 70 AD and could seat an estimated **50,000 to 80,000 spectators**. It was primarily used for gladiatorial contests, public spectacles, animal hunts, and dramas, showcasing Roman engineering prowess and its influence on modern stadium design.
22437
Where is the Christ the Redeemer statue, a 105-foot modern wonder, located?
Answer:
The **Christ the Redeemer** statue, an Art Deco icon standing 98 feet tall on a 26-foot pedestal, is located atop Corcovado Mountain overlooking the city of **Rio de Janeiro, Brazil**. Completed in 1931, it is a global symbol of Brazilian Christianity and a major tourist attraction.
22438
Which modern wonder is the longest human-made structure, stretching over 4,000 miles?
Answer:
The **Great Wall of China**, spanning approximately 4,000 miles (over 21,000 km including all its branches), is the world’s longest human-made structure. Dating back to the 4th century BC, it served as a vast fortification system to protect Chinese states and empires against raids and invasions.
22439
Which ancient wonder’s name became a general term for similar structures worldwide?
Answer:
The **Mausoleum at Halicarnassus**, the grand tomb built for King Mausolus, was so impressive that its name, 'Mausoleum,' became a **generic term** used to describe any stately and magnificent tomb or building erected as a sepulcher.
22440
What was the original height of the Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza?
Answer:
The Great Pyramid of Khufu, built around 2690 BC in Giza, Egypt, originally stood at **481 feet** (146.5 meters), making it the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years. Erosion and the loss of its capstone have reduced its current height to 450 feet, yet it remains an iconic ancient wonder.