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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is Rudra's successor as a Hindu god?

2. Who is said to have found the lost sun?

3. What word means dark, formless, terrifying abyss?

4. In "The Deeds of the Asvins", the feet in the phrase 'in three chariots with six horses and a hundred feet' are _____.

5. Urvasi is a _____.

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What is the role of beauty in regards to women in the Rig Veda?

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

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

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

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

10. Who brandishes their power and in what way in "The Deeds of Varuna"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are many metaphors for the sun in the Rig Veda. Find examples of these and explain how they are used. The sun itself is a metaphor for which gods? Cite examples.

Essay Topic 2

The author describes paradox as a main component of the Rig Veda. Analyze "The Funeral Fire" and describe its paradoxes and ways in which these paradoxes are interpreted.

Essay Topic 3

Describe how Dawn performs her duties in "Dawn and the Avins". What does she drive back every day? How does she shower men with her gifts?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 674 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample