Vajiram & Ravi PowerUp Prelims Test Series 2026 – Test 11 (Ancient & Medieval Indian History + Art & Culture II) PDF | Detailed Syllabus & Booklist
The Vajiram & Ravi PowerUp Prelims Test 2026 continues with Test 11 – Ancient & Medieval Indian History + Art & Culture II, scheduled for 26th October 2025.
This test focuses on the later phase of Ancient India, key Medieval kingdoms, and advanced Art & Culture topics — vital for both Prelims and Mains.
Aspirants preparing for UPSC CSE 2026 should use this test to consolidate their understanding of post-Mauryan developments, South Indian empires, Indo-Islamic influence, and Indian artistic evolution.
🧾 Test 11 Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Test Code | V7711 |
| Test Date | 26 October 2025 |
| Subject | Ancient & Medieval Indian History + Art & Culture II |
| Type | Sectional Test |
| Mode | Online & Offline |
| Coverage | Late Ancient India, Medieval Empires & Indian Art, Literature, and Philosophy |
📚 Syllabus Coverage
Ancient India
- Kingdoms of Satavahanas and Harshavardhana: Political and cultural achievements, administration, trade networks.
- Gupta & Post-Gupta Age: Golden Age of India – Science, Literature, Art, and Decline.
- Sangam Age: Society, polity, literature, trade, and Tamilakam culture.
- Chola Empire: Administration, naval expansion, architecture, and temple culture.
Medieval India
- Mughal Empire: Foundation, Akbar’s administration, cultural synthesis, decline.
- Southern Kingdoms: Marathas, Bijapur, and regional dynasties – political developments and contributions.
- Vijayanagara Empire: Political structure, art, literature, economy, and religious tolerance.
- Religious & Social Developments: Bhakti and Sufi movements, sects, and impact on Indian society.
Art & Culture
- Indian Theatres: Evolution from Sanskrit theatre (Nātyaśāstra) to folk and modern forms.
- Religion and Philosophy: Vedic, Buddhist, Jain, Bhakti, Sufi, and Advaita traditions.
- Indo-Islamic Culture: Architecture, art forms, syncretic traditions.
- Indian Literature: Classical languages, Sangam texts, Bhakti poetry, Persian literature.
- Arts & Crafts: Sculpture, pottery, metalwork, and textiles through ages.
- Science & Technology: Inventions, astronomy, metallurgy, and knowledge systems.
- Indian Cinema (Link to Modern Culture): Evolution and role in post-independence culture.
📖 Reference Sources
Primary References
- Old NCERT: Ancient India – Class XI, Medieval India – Class XII
- New NCERT: Themes in Indian History Part I & II
- NCERT Class XI: Introduction to Indian Art
- TN Board History – Class XI
- NIOS Art & Culture Material
- Vajiram Yellow Book on Art & Culture
Supplementary Sources
- A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India by Upinder Singh
- CCRT Website: https://ccrtindia.gov.in/index.php
- Current Affairs: Art & Culture topics from The Hindu, PIB, Indian Express, Yojana, and Kurukshetra
- Recitals by Vajiram – Monthly cultural and heritage updates
🎯 Objectives of Test 11
- Strengthen understanding of Ancient to Medieval transition in India
- Master key dynasties, religious reforms, and cultural synthesis
- Revise art, architecture, and literature for Prelims and Mains
- Integrate static culture with current events (festivals, UNESCO heritage sites, GI tags)
🗓️ Key Topics to Revise Before the Test
- Administration & economy under Guptas and Cholas
- Literature of Sangam Age and Harsha’s court
- Bhakti–Sufi movement reformers and doctrines
- Art and architecture of Vijayanagara & Mughal periods
- Indo-Islamic art: domes, arches, minarets, calligraphy
- Indian theatre traditions (Yakshagana, Koodiyattam, Kathakali)
- Classical languages and UNESCO Intangible Heritage
- Growth of Indian cinema & its socio-political influence
- Science and technology in ancient India
- Recent GI-tagged crafts and cultural reports (2024–25)
💡 Expert Preparation Tips
- Read Upinder Singh for clarity on early medieval transitions.
- Use CCRT and NIOS notes for factual art & culture questions.
- Prepare architecture diagrams for temples, stupas, and mosques.
- Revise PYQs (2013–2024) from Art & Culture and History sections.
- Create a timeline sheet linking dynasties, art styles, and religious movements.
📥 Download Section
Conclusion
The Vajiram & Ravi Prelims Test 11 combines the richness of India’s historical evolution with its vibrant cultural heritage.
Aspirants should focus on chronological understanding, art integration, and cultural continuity to gain an edge in UPSC Prelims 2026.
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