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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is referred to as the Ultimate God in Viswamitra?

2. What sage does Kumbha claim put a curse on him in Chudala?

3. The woman in the woods refuses to help the king unless he does what in Lavana?

4. What does the goddess Devi wear?

5. Every demon, according to the storyteller, seeks what in Devi?

Short Essay Questions

1. What conversation does Iswara have with Vasishta in Viswamitra?

2. What happens when Kacha decides to return to the god-world in Yayati?

3. What is the third test which Chudala places on her husband? What comes of it?

4. Who does Brahma offer in marriage to Manmata? Where does he send them afterward?

5. Discuss the themes and plots within the story Yayati. What unites the story?

6. What does King Chedi come upon in the beginning of Viswamitra?

7. What happens to Manmata's arrows when he shoots them in the beginning of Manmata?

8. Who does Brahma create in the beginning of Manmata? Why?

9. How is Devi created? What is her appearance like?

10. What does Chudala do in order to find her happiness? What does Sikhi-Dhvaia note about her change?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Ravana, Kumbhakarna, Soorpanakha, Vibhishana, Kubera, and the setting of Ravana. Why was Ravana renamed and by whom?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the symbolism, themes, metaphors, and simile in Viswamitra. How does "man's ego" relate to the story's moral and themes?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss the Indian practice of Swayamwara. How does this tradition differ from Western marriage arrangements? What power do women have within this system?

(see the answer keys)

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