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

2. Who is Rudra's successor as a Hindu god?
(a) Pusan.
(b) Visvadevas.
(c) Siva.
(d) Savitr.

3. What is the metaphor used in "Parjanya, the Cow" to represent the cloud that does not give rain?
(a) The sterile cow.
(b) The goat skin.
(c) The dried fig.
(d) The empty Soma vessel.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Varuna is called the _____ in the "Deeds of Varuna".

2. The divine prototype for marriage is the hierogamy of Surya and _____.

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

4. What is another name for the Maruts?

5. Urvasi is a _____.

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the nature of Soma in "The Marriage of Surya"?

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

3. In the dialogue between Agastya and the Maruts in "Agastya and the Maruts", what is Agastya trying to do?

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

5. Who competes in the contest in "The Maruts" and what are they doing in the competition?

6. Why does the author say it is a possibility that priests are being satirized in "The Frogs"?

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

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

9. What are the different meanings of the 'house of clay' metaphor in "The House of Clay"?

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

(see the answer keys)

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