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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In the hymn, "Indra and the Maruts", what type of animal is named as 'the does' that are yoked to the chariot?
(a) Deer.
(b) Gazelles.
(c) Impalas.
(d) Goats.

2. What is the metaphor used in "Parjanya, the Cow" to represent the cloud that does not give rain?
(a) The empty Soma vessel.
(b) The sterile cow.
(c) The goat skin.
(d) The dried fig.

3. In "The Three Strides of Visnu", the commentator suggests that the ferocious beast is a _____.
(a) Bear.
(b) Lion.
(c) Buffalo.
(d) Bull.

4. In "Gambler's Lament", dice are born during a storm and cease to hang like _____ from the nut tree.
(a) Earrings.
(b) Stars.
(c) Bones.
(d) Pendulums.

5. The word _____ means 'one who sheds rain or seed'?
(a) Flake.
(b) Cloudmaster.
(c) Virile.
(d) Emit.

6. Urvasi is a _____.
(a) Sun goddess.
(b) Mortal.
(c) Poet.
(d) Water-nymph.

7. The god Parjanya is closely associated with _____.
(a) Cremation.
(b) Rain and snow.
(c) Thunder and lightning.
(d) Day and night.

8. Who are 'those who eat serpents' most likely to be in "Savitr at Sunset"?
(a) Sages.
(b) Maruts.
(c) Dogs of war.
(d) Birds of prey.

9. Why does Apala's husband supposedly hate her in the later commentaries associated with "Apala and Indra"?
(a) She is frigid.
(b) She is lazy.
(c) She has a skin disease.
(d) She is unfaithful.

10. Seven gods guard Soma, among whom _____ is the foremost.
(a) Vayu.
(b) Agastya.
(c) Visnu.
(d) Indra.

11. What do the Maruts give Gotama when he prays to them?
(a) A son.
(b) A fountain.
(c) Silver.
(d) Gold.

12. Rudra is known as the punisher of _____.
(a) Incest.
(b) Warriors.
(c) Women.
(d) Murder.

13. What is the symbol of an unfaithful woman in "Pururavas and Urvasi"?
(a) The broken twig.
(b) The broken chalice.
(c) The eagle.
(d) The jackal.

14. Who is Rudra's successor as a Hindu god?
(a) Savitr.
(b) Siva.
(c) Pusan.
(d) Visvadevas.

15. What is Rudra the embodiment of?
(a) Cleverness and thievery.
(b) Wildness and unpredictable danger.
(c) Love and wisdom.
(d) Peace and death.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is another name for the 'axis mundi' mentioned in "Guard Us from the Monstrous Abyss"?

2. A 'yojana' is a measurement of _____.

3. In "Parjanya, the Bull", what is Parjanyas' enormous deadly weapon?

4. What word means dark, formless, terrifying abyss?

5. in "The Deeds of the Asvins", Pedu is the character who was given a white horse that killed _____.

(see the answer keys)

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