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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) Impalas.
(b) Gazelles.
(c) Deer.
(d) Goats.

2. Who is the mother of the Maruts?
(a) Prsni.
(b) Parjanya.
(c) Usas.
(d) Yama.

3. Sindhu is a _____ goddess.
(a) Dog.
(b) Tree.
(c) River.
(d) Mountain.

4. In "Parjanya, the Bull", what is Parjanyas' enormous deadly weapon?
(a) A winged lion.
(b) A mountain.
(c) A scythe.
(d) A thunderbolt.

5. The family of sages who praise Dawn in "Dawn and the Asvins" are called _____.
(a) Asturas.
(b) Brahmins.
(c) Gotamas.
(d) Asvins.

6. Who are the sky and earth parents of?
(a) The maruts.
(b) The sun.
(c) The stars.
(d) The bull.

7. What is the name of the god of formal hospitality to strangers?
(a) Savitr.
(b) Aryaman.
(c) Rudra.
(d) Ushas.

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

9. Who are the sons and daughters of the father in "To Arms"?
(a) Rocks.
(b) Flowers.
(c) Leaves.
(d) Arrows.

10. In stories associated with "Apala and Indra", what is the third skin that is sloughed off of Apala?
(a) A toad.
(b) A slave.
(c) A chameleon.
(d) A salamander.

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

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

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

14. The _____ in "Indra and the Monkey" is the conquering Aryan.
(a) Enemy.
(b) Ally.
(c) Scapegoat.
(d) Poet.

15. Asura is a _____ in early Vedic tradition, before he becomes a demon.
(a) Sky god.
(b) Lion.
(c) Frog.
(d) Fertility god.

Short Answer Questions

1. In stories associated with "Apala and Indra", what is the first skin that is sloughed off of Apala?

2. According to the author, who is the only Vedic goddess of any true stature?

3. In "The Deeds of the Asvins", the feet in the phrase 'in three chariots with six horses and a hundred feet' are _____.

4. The Maruts are _____ portrayed always as a group.

5. In "Vena", Soma is the _____ who roars as he mingles with the waters.

(see the answer keys)

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