Indian Literature Introduction And "Night" Test- Version 1

Vishnu is considered the Protector deity in the ancient Hindu pantheon. He is believed to be the preserver and sustainer of the universe. Vishnu is often depicted with four arms, holding various symbols and weapons that represent his divine powers. He is also known for his ten avatars, including Lord Rama and Lord Krishna, who have come to Earth to restore balance and righteousness. Vishnu's role as the Protector is significant in Hindu mythology, as he ensures the preservation and well-being of the world.

The correct answer is Brahma because Brahma is one of the three deities that stand out in the ancient Hindu pantheon. The question is asking for the name of the Creator among these three deities, and Brahma is the correct answer. Shiva and Vishnu are also important deities in Hinduism, but they have different roles and responsibilities. Brahma is specifically known as the Creator in Hindu mythology.

Shiva is the correct answer because he is known as the Destroyer/Preserver in the ancient Hindu pantheon. Shiva is one of the three main deities in Hinduism, along with Brahma and Vishnu. He is often depicted as a powerful and fearsome deity, responsible for destruction and transformation. However, Shiva is also seen as a preserver, as he is believed to destroy in order to create and maintain balance in the universe. He is highly revered and worshipped by millions of Hindus around the world.

"Perfect speech" refers to the language Sanskrit. Sanskrit is considered to be the language of the gods in Hinduism and is believed to be the most perfect and refined language. It is known for its complex grammar, precise pronunciation, and rich vocabulary. Sanskrit has a long history and is still studied and used in religious rituals, philosophical texts, and traditional practices in India.

The Rig-Veda is a collection of more than 1,000 hymns. These hymns are ancient sacred texts composed in Sanskrit and are considered the oldest and most important texts of the Hindu religion. They are believed to have been composed between 1500 and 1200 BCE and are dedicated to various deities. The hymns contain prayers, praises, and rituals, and provide insights into the religious beliefs, customs, and practices of the ancient Vedic civilization. The Rig-Veda is highly revered and continues to be studied and recited in Hindu rituals and ceremonies.

The correct answer is "disposing of dead animals and human waste". This answer is supported by the fact that the Untouchables were considered to be at the lowest level of the social hierarchy in traditional Indian society. They were often assigned tasks that were considered impure or polluting, such as handling dead animals and human waste. This was seen as a form of manual labor that was considered undesirable and unclean by higher castes.

The correct answer is scholars, priests, and teachers. Brahmins were considered the highest caste in the Indian social hierarchy and were responsible for performing religious rituals, studying and teaching the Vedas (sacred texts), and providing guidance and spiritual services to the community. They held positions of intellectual and spiritual authority and were highly respected for their knowledge and wisdom.

The Aryans were the founders of Hinduism. Hinduism originated from the religious beliefs and practices of the ancient Aryan people who migrated to the Indian subcontinent around 1500 BCE. They brought with them their own religious texts, known as the Vedas, which form the basis of Hinduism. The Aryans played a significant role in shaping the religious and cultural traditions that eventually developed into the complex and diverse religion known as Hinduism.

According to verse 4, earth's creatures respond to night by going home to rest.

The goddess of night most likely has starlight because verse 2 states that she "stems the tide of darkness with her light." Stars are a common source of light in the night sky, so it is reasonable to assume that the goddess of night would have starlight as her source of illumination.

The correct answer is "touch". The verse describes darkness as "palpable, black, and painted," suggesting that it is something tangible that the singer can physically feel or touch.

The correct answer is "day will always follow night." This is because the verse appeals to the goddess of dawn, implying that she brings forth the light of day after the darkness of night. This suggests a cyclical pattern where night is always followed by day, reinforcing the idea that day will always follow night.

The correct answer is a lyric poem, or song, addressed to a divine being. This is because a hymn is typically a religious or spiritual song that is written to praise or worship a divine being, such as God. Hymns often express devotion, gratitude, or reverence towards the divine and are commonly used in religious ceremonies or gatherings. They are characterized by their poetic and musical qualities, with a focus on expressing religious sentiments and connecting with the divine.

According to verse 3, the goddess Night's sister is twilight.

The correct answer is menial work. This refers to tasks that are considered lowly or unskilled, often involving physical labor or cleaning. Sudras were traditionally assigned to perform these types of tasks in the caste system of ancient India. This answer is supported by the fact that the other options - scholars, priests, and teachers; rulers and warriors; merchants, farmers, and artisans; and disposing of dead animals and human waste - do not accurately represent the typical roles and responsibilities of Sudras.

Kshatriyas were members of the second highest varna (social class) in ancient Indian society. They were traditionally assigned the roles of rulers and warriors, responsible for protecting the kingdom and maintaining law and order. They were expected to lead armies, defend the kingdom from external threats, and ensure the well-being of their subjects. This role required them to possess qualities such as bravery, leadership, and strategic thinking. Additionally, Kshatriyas were also involved in governance and decision-making processes, playing a crucial role in the administration of the kingdom.

The correct answer is merchants, farmers, and artisans. Vaisyas were a social class in ancient Indian society and their main occupations were related to trade, agriculture, and craftsmanship. Merchants were involved in buying and selling goods, farmers were engaged in agricultural activities, and artisans were skilled craftsmen who produced various goods. These occupations were considered respectable and important for the economic well-being of the society.

Reincarnation refers to the belief in the transmigration of souls, where after death, the soul is reborn into a new body. This concept is commonly associated with Hinduism and Buddhism, where individuals believe in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. The term "transmigration of souls" accurately captures the essence of this belief, as it signifies the movement or migration of the soul from one body to another.

The correct answer is sea. The hymn compares the night to a sea, suggesting that the night is full of waves and can be difficult to navigate or cross. This comparison highlights the challenges or obstacles that may be encountered during the night, just as one would face while navigating through rough waters in a sea.

Bushido refers to a code of honor and conduct that demanded self-sacrifice and unwavering loyalty towards a feudal lord or daimyo. It was a set of principles followed by the samurai warriors in feudal Japan, emphasizing virtues such as loyalty, integrity, and honor. This code governed their behavior, emphasizing the importance of self-discipline, courage, and respect. The samurai were expected to prioritize their lord's interests above their own, even if it meant sacrificing their lives. Bushido played a crucial role in shaping the samurai's identity and their role in society.

The correct answer is "a Buddhist religious practice that comes from the word 'union'". Yoga is a practice that originated in ancient India and is associated with Hinduism and Buddhism. The word "yoga" is derived from the Sanskrit word "yuj" which means "to unite" or "to join". In Buddhism, yoga is a means to achieve spiritual enlightenment and union with the divine. It involves physical postures, breathing exercises, meditation, and ethical principles.

Nighttime can potentially bring an increased risk of theft as it provides cover and anonymity for criminals to carry out their activities. The darkness and reduced visibility make it easier for thieves to go unnoticed and steal valuable items without being detected.

The word "Pantheon" refers to an assembly of the gods. In this context, it can be understood as a gathering or group of deities. It does not refer to a code of honor and conduct, a Hindu religious concept, or anything related to color or rank.

The term "caste" refers to one's social class in the Hindu religion. In Hinduism, society is divided into different social classes or castes, which are determined by birth. Each caste has its own set of rights, privileges, and duties. The caste system is deeply rooted in Hindu society and has a significant impact on social interactions, marriage, and occupation. It is a hierarchical system that places individuals into specific social groups based on their birth, and it is considered a fundamental aspect of Hindu religious and cultural identity.

The correct answer is night because the hymn is specifically dedicated to the goddess of night. This suggests that the hymn is meant to honor and celebrate the qualities and significance of the nighttime, perhaps acknowledging its beauty, mystery, or symbolic associations. The dedication to the goddess of night implies a reverence and appreciation for the darkness and its role in the natural cycle of day and night.

In the last verse of the hymn "Night," the singer expresses hope that the goddess will approve of it. This suggests that the singer desires validation and acceptance from the goddess for their hymn. It implies that the singer believes the hymn is worthy of the goddess's approval and hopes that it will be seen as such.

Darkness and debt are alike because they both make life more difficult. Darkness obstructs vision, making it harder to navigate and perceive the world around us. Similarly, debt creates financial burdens and can limit opportunities, making it challenging to live a comfortable and fulfilling life. Both darkness and debt have a negative impact on our overall well-being and make our daily experiences more challenging and burdensome.

Kharma, spelled as "karma" in the question, refers to the concept in Hinduism and Buddhism that every action has consequences. It is the belief that one's actions in this life will determine their fate in future lives. This concept emphasizes personal responsibility and the idea that one's actions shape their destiny. Therefore, "action" is the correct answer as it accurately represents the meaning of karma in both Hinduism and Buddhism.

Hymns such as "Night" are created to be sung in worship because they are religious songs that are meant to be performed during religious ceremonies or gatherings. Singing hymns is a common practice in many religious traditions as a way to express devotion, praise, and connect with the divine. These hymns often have religious themes and are composed in a way that is suitable for congregational singing or choral performances. Therefore, the purpose of creating hymns like "Night" is to have them sung during worship services as a form of spiritual expression.

The primary purpose of "Night" is to ask for safety. This suggests that the main intention of the text is to request or seek protection and security during the nighttime. It implies that the author is concerned about potential dangers or risks that may arise during the night and is urging individuals to take precautions and ensure their well-being.

The term "Varna" refers to one's color or rank in the Hindu religion. In Hinduism, Varna is a system of social classification that divides society into four main groups based on occupation and social status. These groups are Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (merchants and farmers), and Shudras (laborers and servants). Each Varna is associated with a particular color and has specific duties and responsibilities. This system is believed to have originated from the Hindu scriptures and is considered an important aspect of Hindu society and culture.

The verse states that "Darkness, too, will give way." This implies that darkness will eventually be replaced by light. The answer "When the stars come out" suggests that darkness will give way to light when night falls and the stars become visible in the sky.

The line "She has put on all her glories" personifies night by attributing human characteristics to it. The use of the pronoun "she" and the verb "put on" suggest that night is being portrayed as a woman who is adorning herself with her beauties. This personification helps to create a vivid and imaginative image of night as a living entity with its own qualities and actions.

Dharma is a Sanskrit word that means "to hold" or "to sustain". It refers to the moral and ethical duties and responsibilities that individuals should uphold in order to maintain harmony and order in society. It is a concept that is deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy and is considered to be a guiding principle for individuals to lead a righteous and virtuous life. The word "to hold" accurately captures the essence of Dharma as it implies the idea of upholding and preserving one's duty and righteousness.