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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. Who is sometimes Indra's enemy, yet helps him fight the serpent and steal the solar disc?
(a) Rudra.
(b) Kutsa.
(c) Astus.
(d) Agni.

2. What is the center of the wheel in the "All-Maker" myth called?
(a) The chestnut.
(b) The hub.
(c) The kernel.
(d) The navel.

3. What is the piece of wood attached crosswise at the top of the stake used in the horse sacrifice?
(a) The corbel.
(b) The knob.
(c) The cleft.
(d) The weft.

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

5. The author calls the unknown god the _____.
(a) Sunray.
(b) Icarus of Antiquity.
(c) Golden Embryo.
(d) Silver Serpent.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is a kavi?

2. Who is considered the quintessential generous patron?

3. Who is the beloved grey priest?

4. What are the human and demonic enemies of the invading Indo-Aryans?

5. What turns into a plant that is used as a substitute for the Soma plant in the hymn, "Soma and Indra and the Eagle"?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

5. What is the actual content of the secret in "The Mystery of Agni"?

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

7. What is the sacrificial horse identified with?

8. Who are the Asuras in the beginning of the Vedas, as opposed to their role toward the end?

9. In "The Creation of the Sacrifice", what is the significance of weaving?

10. What are the the three forms of speech highlighted in the hymn, "Speech", and what do they represent?

(see the answer keys)

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