Explorers — Set 1
Famous People · अन्वेषक · Questions 1–10 of 50
Which explorer is credited with leading the expedition that first successfully circumnavigated the globe?
Correct Answer: A. Ferdinand Magellan
Ferdinand Magellan led the Spanish expedition that achieved the first global circumnavigation between 1519 and 1522. Although he died during the journey in the Philippines, his crew completed the voyage. The expedition demonstrated that the oceans were interconnected and that the Earth was far larger than many Europeans had assumed.
Vasco da Gama was the first European to reach India by sea in 1498. He landed at which place?
Correct Answer: C. Calicut
The correct answer is Calicut. Vasco da Gama reached Calicut (Kozhikode) on the Malabar Coast in May 1498. This direct sea route linked Europe to the Indian Ocean trade networks and greatly increased Portugal’s influence in maritime commerce. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.
Which explorer is traditionally credited with reaching the Americas in 1492 while seeking a westward route to Asia?
Correct Answer: C. Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus made four Atlantic voyages under Spanish sponsorship. In 1492, his expedition reached the Bahamas, beginning sustained contact between Europe and the Americas. Columbus believed he had reached islands near Asia, not a new continent.
Who was the first person to reach the South Pole in December 1911?
Correct Answer: C. Roald Amundsen
The correct answer is Roald Amundsen. Roald Amundsen led the first successful expedition to the South Pole, arriving on December 14, 1911. His team used careful planning, skis, and dog sleds, reaching the Pole ahead of Robert Falcon Scott’s party. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.
The famous 13th-century traveler Marco Polo journeyed from Venice to which major Asian empire?
Correct Answer: D. Mongol Empire
The correct answer is Mongol Empire. Marco Polo traveled to the Mongol Empire and is associated with the court of Kublai Khan. His accounts, later compiled as 'The Travels of Marco Polo', introduced many Europeans to descriptions of East Asia and inspired later voyages of exploration. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.
Which explorer mapped parts of the Newfoundland coast and is often cited as the first European since the Vikings to explore North America?
Correct Answer: C. John Cabot
The correct answer is John Cabot. John Cabot (Giovanni Caboto) sailed under an English commission in 1497 and is widely believed to have reached areas near present-day Newfoundland or Cape Breton. His voyage helped establish early English claims in North America. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.
Who claimed to have reached the North Pole in 1909, a claim later disputed by some researchers?
Correct Answer: A. Robert Peary
The correct answer is Robert Peary. Robert Peary claimed to have reached the North Pole in April 1909 with Matthew Henson and Inuit companions. While this was accepted for many years, later reviews raised questions about the accuracy of his navigation and records. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.
Captain James Cook is famous for leading three major voyages mainly across which ocean?
Correct Answer: C. Pacific Ocean
The correct answer is Pacific Ocean. James Cook led three major expeditions in the Pacific Ocean, mapping many islands and coastlines. His surveys improved maritime navigation and expanded European geographic knowledge of the Pacific region. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.
Which Portuguese explorer was the first to round the southern tip of Africa in 1488?
Correct Answer: A. Bartolomeu Dias
The correct answer is Bartolomeu Dias. Bartolomeu Dias rounded the Cape of Good Hope in 1488, showing that the Atlantic and Indian Oceans were connected. This was a key step toward establishing a sea route from Europe to Asia. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.
Who was the first American to orbit the Earth in 1962?
Correct Answer: D. John Glenn
John Glenn orbited the Earth aboard the Mercury spacecraft 'Friendship 7' in 1962, completing three orbits. His flight was a major milestone in the early U.S. space program.