{Test-12} Vision IAS Prelims Test Series 2026 PDF

Vision IAS Prelims Test Series 2026 – Test 12 (Ancient History, Art & Culture, and Medieval India) PDF | Syllabus, Topics & References

The Vision IAS All India GS Prelims Test Series 2026 continues with Test 12, scheduled for 28 September 2025, focusing on Ancient Indian History, Art & Culture, and Medieval India.
This test holistically combines static and cultural themes, covering India’s evolution from prehistoric times to the medieval era, including philosophy, religion, arts, and architecture. It helps aspirants grasp the cultural continuity, artistic diversity, and socio-political developments that shaped Indian civilization — a crucial segment for UPSC Prelims.

🧾 Test 12 Overview

Details	Information
Test Code	6321
Test Date	28 September 2025
Subject	Ancient Indian History, Art & Culture, and Medieval India
Type	Applied Test
Mode	Online & Offline
Current Affairs Coverage	July 2025
Question Standard	UPSC GS Paper I Level
No. of Questions	100 MCQs

📚 Syllabus Coverage

Part A – Ancient Indian History

• Prehistoric Period: Stone Age, Mesolithic, Neolithic cultures in India
• Harappan / Indus Valley Civilization: Town planning, economy, religion, decline theories
• Vedic Age: Society, economy, polity, religion, and literary sources
• Mahajanapadas and Religious Reforms: Buddhism, Jainism, and heterodox sects
• Mauryan & Post-Mauryan Periods: Administration, economy, art, Ashokan inscriptions
• Sangam Age: Tamil literature, polity, trade, and society
• Gupta & Post-Gupta Age: Golden Age, advancements in art, science, and literature

Part B – Indian Art and Culture

• Architecture: Harappan urban designs, Mauryan pillars, rock-cut caves, Gupta temples, Indo-Islamic architecture, and modern temples
• Sculpture: Schools of Indian sculpture – Gandhara, Mathura, Amaravati, and Chola bronzes
• Indian Paintings:
  • Wall and Cave paintings – Ajanta, Bagh, Ellora
  • Miniature paintings – Mughal, Rajput, Pahari, Deccan styles
  • Folk and Modern Indian paintings
• Religion and Philosophy:
  • Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Judaism
  • Six Schools of Indian Philosophy, Ajivika, Lokayata traditions
• Indian Music and Dance: Classical Music (Hindustani & Carnatic), Folk Music, Dances (Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Manipuri, Odissi, etc.)
• Indian Theatre and Cinema: Evolution, themes, and social impact
• Language and Literature: Development of Sanskrit, Prakrit, Pali, Tamil; Medieval and Bhakti literature
• Arts and Crafts: Metalwork, pottery, textiles, and handicrafts
• Science and Technology in Ancient India: Mathematics, astronomy, medicine (Ayurveda), and metallurgy

Part C – Medieval India

• Early Medieval Period: Regional kingdoms – Chalukyas, Pallavas, Rashtrakutas, Cholas
• Delhi Sultanate: Slave, Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodi dynasties; administration, architecture, and society
• Vijayanagar & Bahmani Kingdoms: Governance, trade, and cultural achievements
• Religious Movements: Bhakti and Sufi movements – philosophy, saints, and influence
• Mughal Period: Administration, art, culture, literature, and architecture
• Maratha Confederacy: Rise, administration, and legacy

📖 Reference Sources

Primary (Essential) References

• Old NCERTs: Ancient India & Medieval India
• Class XI NCERT: An Introduction to Fine Art (Part 1)
• Class XII NCERT: Themes in Indian History – Part 1 and 2
• A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India by Upinder Singh
• Ancient & Medieval History and Art & Culture Notes by LotusArise
• Vision IAS Value Addition Material – Ancient & Medieval History and Art & Culture
• Quick Revision Module (QRM): Ancient & Medieval India and Art & Culture

Secondary (Additional) References

• The Wonder That Was India by A.L. Basham
• TN Board History (Class XI)
• NIOS Art & Culture Notes
• CCRT Website: http://ccrtindia.gov.in
• The Hindu, Indian Express, Yojana, Kurukshetra, PIB (www.pib.nic.in)
• TOI, Livemint, Frontline, Economic & Political Weekly, India Today

🎯 Objectives of Test 12

• Develop integrated understanding of India’s ancient, medieval, and cultural evolution
• Strengthen conceptual and factual accuracy for art and architecture questions
• Build analytical linkage between dynastic history, cultural trends, and modern legacy
• Prepare aspirants for culture-heavy questions in UPSC Prelims and Mains

🗓️ Key Topics to Revise Before the Test

1. Vedic and Post-Vedic literature and socio-political institutions
2. Harappan art, Mauryan pillars, Sanchi and Stupa architecture
3. Gupta art, science, and economic developments
4. Bhakti and Sufi Movements – saints, philosophies, impact on society
5. Delhi Sultanate and Mughal administration and architecture
6. Sangam literature and South Indian temple traditions
7. Classical dances, musical instruments, and schools of painting
8. Chronology of dynasties from Ancient to Medieval periods
9. Religious and philosophical developments – Buddhism, Jainism, Hindu schools
10. Current archaeological findings and cultural heritage updates (till July 2025)

💡 Vision IAS Mentoring and Learning Support

• Mentorship: Concept-wise guidance for chronology and culture integration
• Post-Test Discussion: Faculty-led analysis of historical and art-based questions
• Sandhan Personalized Tests: Focused tests on Architecture, Religion, or Medieval India
• Performance Analytics: Subject-wise scoring pattern and accuracy trends
• Quick Revision Module (QRM): Short notes on chronology, dynasties, and art forms

📥 Download Section

📘 Download Vision IAS Prelims Test Series 2026 – Test 12 PDF (Ancient Indian History, Art & Culture, and Medieval India)

🧩 Expert Preparation Tips

1. Revise NCERTs (Old + New) and make concise notes of dynasties and culture timelines
2. Study A.L. Basham’s chapters on religion, art, and architecture
3. Practice map-based learning – ancient sites, temples, cultural centers
4. Use Vision IAS QRM for art and culture revision a week before the test
5. Prepare Bhakti–Sufi comparison chart for conceptual clarity
6. Go through CCRT and NIOS notes for factual enrichment and terminologies
7. Attempt previous year culture questions (2011–2024) to identify trends

Conclusion

The Vision IAS Prelims Test 12 – Ancient Indian History, Art & Culture and Medieval India (28 September 2025) covers the heart of India’s civilizational story — from prehistoric beginnings to Mughal magnificence. With comprehensive coverage of cultural, philosophical, and political developments, this test is essential for aspirants targeting high Prelims accuracy in History and Culture segments.
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