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
1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
4
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.
5
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.
6
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.
7
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.
8
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.
9
Which natural wonder in Brazil, a UNESCO site, is among the New Seven Wonders of Nature?
Answer:
The **Amazon Rainforest** (or Amazonia), which covers a vast area primarily in Brazil and other South American countries, was named one of the **New Seven Wonders of Nature** in the 2011 global poll. It is celebrated for its unparalleled biodiversity and its crucial role in the global climate system.
10
Which ancient wonder, still standing in Egypt, is the only surviving one of the original Seven?
Answer:
The **Great Pyramid of Giza**, the largest of the three pyramids in the Giza complex near Cairo, Egypt, is the **only surviving structure** from the original list of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It has stood for over 4,500 years, making it the oldest and most resilient of the ancient marvels.