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
61
Which great French heroine famously led the French army to several victories during the **Hundred Years' War** before her capture and execution?
Answer:
Joan of Arc
Joan of Arc (c. 1412–1431) was a peasant girl who claimed divine guidance and successfully led the French army in lifting the siege of Orléans, turning the tide of the Hundred Years' War in favor of the French. She was later captured by the English and burned at the stake.
62
The city of **Tughlaqabad** near Delhi, characterized by its massive stone walls, was built by which Tughlaq ruler?
Answer:
Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq
Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq founded the third city of Delhi, Tughlaqabad, shortly after ascending the throne in 1320 AD. The city was built with immense, sloping stone walls to serve as a formidable defense against Mongol invasions.
63
The **Domesday Book**, a comprehensive census and record of land ownership in England, was commissioned by which king following the Norman Conquest in 1085?
Answer:
William the Conqueror
William the Conqueror commissioned the Domesday Book in 1085, essentially a massive survey of England. Its purpose was to assess the extent of land and resources held, allowing the King to determine the tax owed by each landowner and solidify his control over the newly conquered territory.
64
Who was the founder of the Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1451 AD), the fourth dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate, following the invasion of Timur?
Answer:
Khizr Khan
Khizr Khan was the founder of the Sayyid Dynasty. He was the Governor of Multan and was appointed by Timur (Tamerlane) as his deputy after Timur's invasion of India in 1398. Khizr Khan did not take the title of Sultan but ruled as 'Rāyat-i-Aʿlā' (Sublime Banner).
65
The **Nika Riots** of 532 AD, which threatened to overthrow Emperor Justinian I, were sparked by which groups in Constantinople?
Answer:
The Greens and the Blues (chariot racing factions)
The Nika Riots were massive and violent uprisings in Constantinople starting at the Hippodrome. They were initially protests by the two main chariot racing factions, the Blues and the Greens, against Justinian's administration, but quickly turned into a political revolt to depose him.
66
Which Sultan of Delhi first ordered the payment of salaries to his soldiers in **cash** rather than granting them *iqtas* (land assignments)?
Answer:
Ala-ud-din Khalji
Ala-ud-din Khalji (reigned 1296–1316 AD) implemented several economic and military reforms, including the practice of paying his standing army in cash. This measure helped him maintain a large, disciplined army and reduce the power of the *iqtadars* (holders of *iqtas*).
67
Which of the following figures is known as the **'Father of Renaissance Humanism'** for his role in recovering and studying classical Latin manuscripts?
Answer:
Petrarch
Francesco Petrarca, commonly known as Petrarch (1304–1374), was an Italian scholar and poet. He is considered the 'Father of Humanism' because he pioneered the movement of rediscovering, collecting, and promoting the study of classical Greek and Roman literature, which became central to the Renaissance.
68
The capital city of the Bahmani Sultanate, known for its strong defense and the famous *Madrasa* (Islamic college) of Mahmud Gawan, was originally located at:
Answer:
Gulbarga (Ahsanabad)
The Bahmani Kingdom was founded in 1347 AD with Gulbarga (renamed Ahsanabad) as its capital. The capital was later shifted to Bidar. Gulbarga served as the center of the early Bahmani administration and culture for over 50 years.
69
The **Third Crusade** (1189–1192) was primarily launched following the capture of Jerusalem in 1187 by which famous Muslim leader?
Answer:
Saladin (Salah ad-Din Yusuf)
Saladin, the founder of the Ayyubid dynasty, decisively defeated the Crusader army at the Battle of Hattin in 1187 and recaptured Jerusalem. This event shocked Europe and prompted the Third Crusade, which was led by Richard the Lionheart, Philip II, and Frederick Barbarossa.
70
Which department during the Delhi Sultanate dealt with state correspondence and was headed by an official called **Dabir-i-Khas**?
Answer:
Diwan-i-Insha (Correspondence)
The Diwan-i-Insha was the department of the central government responsible for royal correspondence and the maintenance of state records. The head of this department was the Dabir-i-Khas, who drafted royal orders and letters to provincial governors and foreign rulers.