World History MCQs
World History Multiple Choice Quiz Questions (MCQs) on Ancient World History, Medieval World History and Modern World History for various UPSC, PCS and other Competitive Examinations.
1. Which one of the following is the underground army of the African National Congress? (UPSC Prelims 1993)
[A] Unkhonto
[B] Kwazulu
[C] Xhosa
[D] Ulundi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Unkhonto]
Notes:
Umkhonto meaning “Spear of the Nation” was the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC), co-founded by Nelson Mandela in the wake of the Sharpeville massacre.
2. Which nation’s army unit was the “Caravan of Death”?
[A] Iraq
[B] Libya
[C] Chile
[D] Cuba
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Chile]
Notes:
The Caravan of Death was the Chilean army death squad during the 1970s. It was largely in action following the Chilean Coup of 1973. This death squad targeted the country’s communist and opposition leaders. This death squad was sanctioned by the then ruler of Chile Augusto Pinochet.
3. Which of the following civilizations flourished between the rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates?
[A] Mesopotamian Civilization
[B] Harrapan Civilization
[C] Chinese Civilization
[D] Egyptian Civilization
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mesopotamian Civilization ]
Notes:
The ancient Mesopotamian points to the land between the rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates. Its modern name is Iraq. The civilization flourished here almost at the same time with the Egyptian civilization.
4. Great Pyramid of Giza’s is located in which country?
[A] Iraq
[B] Egypt
[C] Lebanon
[D] Israel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Egypt ]
Notes:
The religious beliefs and inspirations held by Egyptians made them the first and foremost builders in the world. Their belief in life after death, led them to build tombs and these royal tombs were the Pyramids. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest Egyptian pyramid and the tomb of Fourth Dynasty pharaoh Khufu. It was built in 26th century BC and is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It is located in Greater Cairo, Egypt.
5. The Zhou dynasty ruled china during which of the following period?
[A] 221-206 BC
[B] 1046-256 BC
[C] 206 BCE-220 AD
[D] 1600-1050 BC
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1046-256 BC]
Notes:
The Zhou dynasty was the longest dynasty in the history of China which ruled the region for almost 8 centuries. The Zhou dynasty ruled from 1046 B. C. E. to 256 B. C. E.
6. The Han dynasty ruled during which of the following period?
[A] 221-206 AD
[B] 221-206 BC
[C] 386-589 AD
[D] 206 BCE-220 AD
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [206 BCE-220 AD]
Notes:
The Han dynasty was the second imperial dynasty of China, preceded by the short-lived Qin dynasty. They ruled China from 206 BCE to 220 AD. The Han dynasty was known as a golden age in Chinese history.
7. Which of the following called themselves as ‘Hellens’?
[A] Chinese
[B] Mesopotamians
[C] Greeks
[D] Romans
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Greeks]
Notes:
The Greeks originlly called themselves as ‘Hellens’, but the Romans called them as ‘Greeks’ and the world has adopted the name Greeks from the Romans.
8. Which of the following was the father of Mohammed?
[A] Abu Talib
[B] Abdullah
[C] Abdul-Motalib
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Abdullah ]
Notes:
Prophet Muhammad was the son of Abdullah ibn Abd al-Muttalib and Fatimah bint Amr of the Makhzum clan. Muhammad’s father, Abdullah, died almost six months before he was born, leaving him in the care of his paternal grandfather Abd al-Muttalib.
9. Which of the following succeeded Abu Bakr?
[A] Ali
[B] Husayn
[C] Omar
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Omar]
Notes:
The Caliph Omar succeeded Abu Bakr in 634 A.D. He was Mohammed’s brother-in-law and with his efforts, he conquered Syria, Egypt, Persia and spread Islam there. He also occupied Jerusalem.
10. Which of the following was the central theme of most Renaissance art and literature?
[A] People
[B] God
[C] Jesus
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [People]
Notes:
The central theme of most Renaissance art and literature was the ‘Person’. The new Renaissance person was viewed as the maker of his own destiny rather than being a helpless plaything in the hands of supernatural forces.