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

2. Varuna is called the _____ in the "Deeds of Varuna".
(a) Keeper.
(b) Lord of Soma.
(c) Emperor.
(d) Master of Horse.

3. Mudgala's wife hopes that Indra will turn her husband into a _____.
(a) Bull.
(b) Cow.
(c) Lion.
(d) Frog.

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

5. Why does Apala's husband supposedly hate her in the later commentaries associated with "Apala and Indra"?
(a) She is frigid.
(b) She is lazy.
(c) She is unfaithful.
(d) She has a skin disease.

Short Answer Questions

1. The _____ in "Indra and the Monkey" is the conquering Aryan.

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

3. Who invokes the Asvins to help her find her husband?

4. in "The Deeds of the Asvins", Pedu is the character who was given a white horse that killed _____.

5. What is Agastya's chosen path in life when his wife approaches him to beget a child?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is the Rig Veda described in "Realia" as worldly?

2. What are the possible meanings of the 'banner that dawn plants in the sky' in "Dawn and the Asvins"?

3. In "The Courtship of Ghosa", what does Ghosa ask the Asvins?

4. What does Vena personify in the hymn of the same name, and how does this relate to the theme of the hymn?

5. How is the phrase 'O, little mother' a triple entendre in "Indra and the Monkey"?

6. What is the meaning or the invocation, 'O, master of the stones' in "The House of Clay"?

7. What is Varuna asked to protect the worshiper from in regards to his own power?

8. What are two meanings of "Atri and the Lost Sun"?

9. In "Indra and the Maruts", why does Indra mock the Maruts?

10. In "Varuna Provoked to Anger", what is the nature of Vasistha's sins toward Varuna?

(see the answer keys)

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