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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Savitr is the _____ and the embodiment of twilight.
(a) Indoctinated ally of Indra.
(b) Sacred sage.
(c) Divine obstetrician.
(d) Holy sepulchre.

2. What are the human and demonic enemies of the invading Indo-Aryans?
(a) Panis.
(b) Saramas.
(c) Agnus.
(d) Atmans.

3. The Rbhus are the _____ of the gods.
(a) Horsemen.
(b) Craftsmen.
(c) Housekeepers.
(d) Translators.

4. What are the sisters that embrace the pressing stones?
(a) Fingers.
(b) Dirt.
(c) Other stones.
(d) Gems.

5. 'Dhruvam' means _____.
(a) Sacred.
(b) Sweet.
(c) Loathing.
(d) Steadfast.

Short Answer Questions

1. The Maruts are referred to as _____ in "The Cows in the Cave".

2. The author calls the unknown god the _____.

3. The word for heart mind and life-spirit is _____.

4. Varuna and Mitra are keepers of the _____.

5. Who is the mother of the sun?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the function of the goat in "The Funeral Fire"?

2. What is the meaning of the use of hunger in "In praise of Generosity"?

3. Who eats from the tree of knowledge in "The Riddle of the Sacrifice", and what does this mean?

4. What are the meanings of the recurrent epithet, "Knower of creatures"?

5. What is the state of clarity of the early stages of creation in "The All-maker", according to the author, and why?

6. Who are the Angirases and with whom are they often linked?

7. What is the back story about the priest of the oblation's getting angry in "The Birth of Agni", and what does the priest do that is mentioned in this hymn?

8. What is the nature of the 'child of the waters' and how does this relate to Agni?

9. What is the function of the "Royal Consecration" hymn, and what would accompany it?

10. What is the meaning of the horse carrying the body in "Requiem for a Horse"?

(see the answer keys)

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