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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In "Varuna the Friend of Vasistha", where does the sun rest all night?
(a) In the river.
(b) In the valley of the kings.
(c) In the rock of darkness.
(d) In the heart of Vasistha.

2. What word means dark, formless, terrifying abyss?
(a) Adharma.
(b) Siva.
(c) Abhvam.
(d) Agamas.

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

4. Who invokes the Asvins to help her find her husband?
(a) Yami.
(b) Ghosa.
(c) Indrani.
(d) Agastya.

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

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

7. In stories associated with "Apala and Indra", what is the second skin that is sloughed off of Apala?
(a) An eagle.
(b) A frog.
(c) An alligator.
(d) A snake.

8. A 'yojana' is a measurement of _____.
(a) Weight.
(b) Height.
(c) Distance.
(d) Time.

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

10. What does the name Vena mean?
(a) Thirst.
(b) Elder.
(c) Light.
(d) Longing.

11. What is the name of the god of intimate friendship among one's own kind?
(a) Soma.
(b) Indra.
(c) Mitra.
(d) Atri.

12. What is the name of Yama's twin?
(a) Yamindra.
(b) Yamani.
(c) Yami.
(d) Yamo.

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

14. The divine prototype for marriage is the hierogamy of Surya and _____.
(a) Atri.
(b) Agastya.
(c) Soma.
(d) Indra.

15. Who called "Indra and the Monkey' the strangest hymn in the Rig Veda?
(a) Doniger.
(b) Renou.
(c) Stackhouse.
(d) Muller.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. The three vats in "Parjanya, the Cow" are clouds full of rain or vessels full of _____.

3. Who are 'those who eat serpents' most likely to be in "Savitr at Sunset"?

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

5. In "The House of Clay", Varuna casts his snares upon the offending worshiper in the form of _____.

(see the answer keys)

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