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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 for exertion of religious activity in "Agastya and Lopamudra" is _____.
(a) Conversion.
(b) Toil.
(c) Pray.
(d) Prostrate.

2. The three vats in "Parjanya, the Cow" are clouds full of rain or vessels full of _____.
(a) Sunlight.
(b) Soma.
(c) Sap.
(d) Milk.

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

4. What do the Maruts give Gotama when he prays to them?
(a) Silver.
(b) Gold.
(c) A son.
(d) A fountain.

5. According to the author, who is the only Vedic goddess of any true stature?
(a) Aditi.
(b) Siva.
(c) Dawn.
(d) Yami.

Short Answer Questions

1. Varuna binds _____ in his snares of disease and misfortune in "Varuna Provoked to Anger".

2. Who are the sons and daughters of the father in "To Arms"?

3. The god Parjanya is closely associated with _____.

4. In "The House of Clay", Varuna casts his snares upon the offending worshiper in the form of _____.

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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