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
4751
The 'Man'yoshu' is the oldest existing collection of poetry from:
Answer:
Japan
Compiled in the Nara period, the 'Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves' contains over 4,500 poems, mostly in the Tanka format.
4752
The 'Tain Bo Cuailnge' (Cattle Raid of Cooley) is the central epic of which literary tradition?
Answer:
Old Irish (Ulster Cycle)
It tells the story of Queen Medb of Connacht's invasion of Ulster to steal the stud bull Donn Cuailnge, opposed by the hero Cú Chulainn.
4753
Which ancient Japanese text chronicles the mythological origins of the Japanese islands and the imperial line?
Answer:
Kojiki
Completed in 712 AD, the Kojiki ('Records of Ancient Matters') is the oldest extant chronicle in Japan.
4754
The 'Song of Songs' (Song of Solomon) in the Hebrew Bible is best described as:
Answer:
Lyric poetry celebrating love
Unlike other biblical texts, it does not mention God explicitly and focuses on the romantic dialogue between two lovers.
4755
In Norse mythology, the 'Poetic Edda' is:
Answer:
A collection of Old Norse anonymous poems about gods and heroes
The Poetic Edda (preserved in the Codex Regius) is the primary source for Norse mythology, distinct from Snorri's Prose Edda.
4756
The 'Enuma Elish' is the creation myth of which civilization?
Answer:
Babylonian
The Enuma Elish describes how the god Marduk defeated the chaos dragon Tiamat to create the world.
4757
The 'Tale of Sinuhe' is considered a masterpiece of literature from:
Answer:
Middle Kingdom Egypt
It narrates the story of an Egyptian official who flees Egypt, lives in exile in Canaan, and eventually returns home.
4758
Which Old English epic poem tells the story of a Geatish hero who defeats the monster Grendel?
Answer:
Beowulf
Beowulf is the most famous work of Old English literature, set in Scandinavia but written in England.
4759
The 'Avesta' is the primary collection of religious texts of which ancient religion?
Answer:
Zoroastrianism
The Avesta contains the Gathas (hymns attributed to Zoroaster) and is written in the Avestan language of ancient Persia.
4760
The 'Popol Vuh' is the foundational sacred narrative of which people?
Answer:
The Maya
The Popol Vuh (Book of the Community) details the K'iche' Mayan creation myths, including the story of the Hero Twins.