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
81
Which Greek play by Euripides features the god Dionysus punishing the city of Thebes?
Answer:
The Bacchae
The Bacchae depicts the conflict between the rational King Pentheus and the chaotic, irrational power of the god Dionysus.
82
Which text is attributed to Sun Bin, a descendant of Sun Tzu?
Answer:
Sun Bin's Art of War
Long thought lost, bamboo slips containing this text were discovered in 1972, confirming Sun Bin was a distinct military strategist.
83
The 'Ballad of Mulan' is a folk song originating from which period of Chinese history?
Answer:
Northern and Southern Dynasties
The ballad originated in the Northern Wei period, reflecting the rougher, martial culture of the northern frontier.
84
The 'Rihla' constitutes a genre of Arabic literature focused on:
Answer:
Travelogues
Rihla refers to both the act of travel and the written account of it, the most famous being that of Ibn Battuta (though medieval).
85
Al-Farabi is known as the 'Second Teacher'. Who was the 'First Teacher' he commented on?
Answer:
Aristotle
Al-Farabi was instrumental in preserving and expanding upon Aristotelian logic and philosophy in the Islamic world.
86
Ashvaghosha is known for writing the 'Buddhacharita', which is:
Answer:
An epic biography of the Buddha
Written in Sanskrit, the Buddhacharita is one of the finest examples of early Kavya (courtly poetry).
87
The 'Gitagovinda' by Jayadeva celebrates the love of:
Answer:
Krishna and Radha
This 12th-century Sanskrit work is a masterpiece of devotional poetry, exploring the divine love play of Krishna and Radha.
88
Which Roman historian wrote 'The Conspiracy of Catiline'?
Answer:
Sallust
Sallust was the first major Roman historian to write in monographic form, focusing on moral decline in the Republic.
89
The 'Eclogues' by Virgil are modeled after the Idylls of which Greek poet?
Answer:
Theocritus
Theocritus is the creator of pastoral poetry, and Virgil's Eclogues adapted this genre into Latin.
90
Which Greek lyric poet is known for his drinking songs and poems about politics and war?
Answer:
Alcaeus
Alcaeus was a contemporary of Sappho on Lesbos; his poetry often dealt with the turbulent politics of his city-state.