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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. In "The Deeds of the Asvins", the feet in the phrase 'in three chariots with six horses and a hundred feet' are _____.
(a) Stars.
(b) Rocks.
(c) Roots.
(d) Oars.

3. The three vats in "Parjanya, the Cow" are clouds full of rain or vessels full of _____.
(a) Soma.
(b) Sap.
(c) Sunlight.
(d) Milk.

4. 'A woman in need of help' in "The rescue of Atri" designates a woman _____.
(a) In mourning.
(b) In the pangs of labor.
(c) Who hasn't drunk Soma.
(d) Who has no children.

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

6. in "The Deeds of the Asvins", Pedu is the character who was given a white horse that killed _____.
(a) Gods.
(b) Snakes.
(c) Its previous master.
(d) Goats.

7. Who performed the first sacrifice by mortals for immortals?
(a) Manu.
(b) Visnu.
(c) Soma.
(d) Savitr.

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

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

10. The _____ in "Indra and the Monkey" is regarded as the indigenous inhabitant, regarded as demonic.
(a) Sage.
(b) Slave.
(c) Demi-god.
(d) Poet.

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

12. In stories associated with "Apala and Indra", what is the first skin that is sloughed off of Apala?
(a) A hedgehog.
(b) A jackal.
(c) A dog.
(d) A deer.

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

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

15. In "The House of Clay", Varuna casts his snares upon the offending worshiper in the form of _____.
(a) Dropsy.
(b) Thirst.
(c) Hunger.
(d) Malaria.

Short Answer Questions

1. In the hymn, "Indra and the Maruts", what type of animal is named as 'the does' that are yoked to the chariot?

2. The Asvins are said to be born of the _____ in "The Deeds of the Asvins".

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

4. In "Gambler's Lament", dice are born during a storm and cease to hang like _____ from the nut tree.

5. Varuna binds _____ in his snares of disease and misfortune in "Varuna Provoked to Anger".

(see the answer keys)

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