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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 _____ in "Indra and the Monkey" is regarded as the indigenous inhabitant, regarded as demonic.
(a) Sage.
(b) Poet.
(c) Slave.
(d) Demi-god.

2. What is the name of Indra's wife?
(a) Indrani.
(b) Yamani.
(c) Yamora.
(d) Indora.

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the metaphor used in "Parjanya, the Cow" to represent the cloud that does not give rain?

2. In the section of the book called "Realia", the hymns are characterized by the author as having a _____ element.

3. Asura is a _____ in early Vedic tradition, before he becomes a demon.

4. What is the name of Yama's twin?

5. Who is the mother of the Maruts?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the poet ask for at the end of "Parjanya, the Bull", and why?

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

3. What is Yami's argument to persuade Yama to have incest relations with her, and who does she invoke to aid her with this?

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

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

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

7. What is the central image of the hymn, "Mudgala's Wife and the Bull in the Chariot", and how do their interpretations overlap?

8. According to Indian theory, what happens to the sun during the rainy season?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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