This comprehensive guide to The Tiger King from the NCERT book Vistas provides everything Class 12 students need to master this satirical tale for their exams. In this post, you’ll find a detailed summary, a range of extract-based MCQs, important questions, and additional MCQs to test your understanding. Tailored to help students prepare effectively for the Class 12 board exams, this guide simplifies the themes, characters, and messages of The Tiger King, making it an essential resource for thorough revision and comprehension.
Summary of The Tiger King by Kalki
The Tiger King tells the tale of Maharaja Jung Jung Bahadur, the King of Pratibandapuram, who earns the title of ‘Tiger King’ due to his fierce obsession with killing tigers. When the royal astrologers predict that a tiger will one day be the cause of his death, the king, though just an infant, declares he will kill all tigers to escape his fate. As he grows up, this prophecy shapes his life, driving him to hunt relentlessly. The Maharaja kills ninety-nine tigers to thwart his destiny and even goes to extreme lengths to find more tigers, including marrying into a royal family with a large tiger population.
However, The Tiger King is not merely a story of adventure; it is a satirical commentary on power and pride. Despite his careful efforts, his ambition blinds him, and fate catches up in a surprising twist. Eventually, he dies, not from a tiger in the wild but from an infection caused by a sliver of wood in a toy tiger. This ironic end highlights the futility of trying to outsmart destiny and mocks the arrogance of those in power who attempt to control nature.
The story uses humour and dramatic irony to explore human arrogance. Kalki‘s subtle yet sharp satire exposes the absurdity of ego-driven actions and the disrespect humans often show towards nature and other creatures.
Read and Find Out (Q&A)
Very Short Answer Type
- Who is the Tiger King? Why does he get that name?
The Tiger King is the Maharaja of Pratibandapuram, named so due to his obsession with killing tigers to defy a prophecy about his death by a tiger. - What did the royal infant grow up to be?
The royal infant grew up to be the Tiger King, determined to kill tigers and defy his foretold death.
Short Answer Type
- What will the Maharaja do to find the required number of tigers to kill?
To fulfil his mission, the Maharaja bans others from tiger hunting in his kingdom, reserves the tigers for himself, and even marries a princess from a state with a large tiger population to ensure access to more tigers. - How will the Maharaja prepare himself for the hundredth tiger which was supposed to decide his fate?
The Maharaja becomes extremely cautious as he approaches his final tiger. His desperation grows, leading him to extreme actions, including taxing his people more, until his dewan secretly arranges for an old tiger to be placed before him.
Reading with Insight (Q&A)
Short Answer Type
- The story is a satire on the conceit of those in power. How does the author employ the literary device of dramatic irony in the story?
The author uses dramatic irony to highlight the absurdity of the Tiger King’s actions. Despite the King’s efforts to avoid death by killing ninety-nine tigers, he ultimately dies due to a trivial injury from a toy tiger, underlining the futility of his arrogance. - What is the author’s indirect comment on subjecting innocent animals to the willfulness of human beings?
Through the Tiger King’s merciless killing of tigers, the author criticises humanity’s tendency to impose its will on nature, illustrating the destructive and selfish aspects of human behaviour. - How would you describe the behaviour of the Maharaja’s minions towards him? Do you find them truly sincere towards him or are they driven by fear when they obey him? Do we find a similarity in today’s political order?
The Maharaja’s minions act out of fear, not genuine respect or loyalty. Their compliance is forced, echoing a similarity in modern politics where people may follow leaders more out of fear of repercussions than true belief in their authority.
Long Answer Type
- Can you relate instances of game-hunting among the rich and the powerful in the present times that illustrate the callousness of human beings towards wildlife?
Instances of game hunting persist today, often among the wealthy who view it as a status symbol. This behaviour reflects a disregard for wildlife conservation and the inherent value of animal life, mirroring the Tiger King’s indifference to the lives of his kingdom’s tigers. Recent cases of trophy hunting in Africa highlight this persistent callousness, where animals are hunted solely for pride and status, often undermining conservation efforts. - We need a new system for the age of ecology — a system which is embedded in the care of all people and also in the care of the Earth and all life upon it. Discuss.
A new ecological system would prioritise the interconnectedness of human and environmental health. Such a system would aim to reduce exploitation of natural resources and encourage sustainable practices, ensuring the well-being of all forms of life. By adopting policies focused on preservation and balanced resource use, society can create an ecological framework that respects both humanity and nature.
Extract-Based MCQs – The Tiger King
Extract 1
“The Maharaja of Pratibandapuram is the hero of this story. He may be identified as His Highness Jamedar-General, Khiledar-Major, Sata Vyaghra Samhari, Maharajadhiraja Visva Bhuvana Samrat, Sir Jilani Jung Jung Bahadur, M.A.D., A.C.T.C., or C.R.C.K. But this name is often shortened to the Tiger King.”
Questions:
- Why is the Maharaja known as ‘The Tiger King’?
- a) He was born under the star of a tiger.
- b) He is famous for hunting tigers to avoid his predicted death.
- c) He protects tigers in his kingdom.
- d) He raises tigers in his palace.
- What does the title ‘Sata Vyaghra Samhari’ imply about the king?
- a) He is a peaceful ruler.
- b) He is a hunter of a hundred tigers.
- c) He is a guardian of forests.
- d) He is a religious figure.
- The term ‘Pratibandapuram’ refers to:
- a) A royal hunting ground.
- b) The Tiger King’s palace.
- c) The Tiger King’s kingdom.
- d) The astrologer’s place of worship.
Answer Key:
- b) He is famous for hunting tigers to avoid his predicted death.
- b) He is a hunter of a hundred tigers.
- c) The Tiger King’s kingdom.
Extract 2
“The chief astrologer placed his finger on his nose in wonder. A baby barely ten days old opens its lips in speech! Not only that, it also raises intelligent questions!”
Questions:
- Why is the astrologer astonished at the baby?
- a) The baby is crying loudly.
- b) The baby has spoken intelligent words.
- c) The baby seems unusually quiet.
- d) The baby is sleeping peacefully.
- What does the baby’s question reveal about his character?
- a) He is fearless.
- b) He is shy.
- c) He is easily frightened.
- d) He is kind-hearted.
- What did the astrologers predict about the baby?
- a) He would be a great warrior.
- b) He would die by a tiger.
- c) He would rule over many lands.
- d) He would be wise and gentle.
Answer Key:
- b) The baby has spoken intelligent words.
- a) He is fearless.
- b) He would die by a tiger.
Extract 3
“The Maharaja was thrilled beyond measure when he killed his first tiger. He sent for the State astrologer and showed him the dead beast. ‘What do you say now?’ he demanded.”
Questions:
- How does the Maharaja feel after killing his first tiger?
- a) Thrilled and victorious.
- b) Nervous and scared.
- c) Guilty and remorseful.
- d) Indifferent and bored.
- Why does the Maharaja summon the astrologer after the hunt?
- a) To ask for guidance on ruling.
- b) To mock him about the prophecy.
- c) To praise his wisdom.
- d) To seek blessings.
- What does this scene indicate about the Maharaja’s personality?
- a) He is easily frightened.
- b) He is determined to challenge fate.
- c) He is indifferent to his future.
- d) He is cautious and careful.
Answer Key:
- a) Thrilled and victorious.
- b) To mock him about the prophecy.
- b) He is determined to challenge fate.
Extract 4
“Some fifty rings arrived. The Maharaja sent the whole lot to the British officer’s good lady… In two days a bill for three lakh of rupees came from the British jewellers.”
Questions:
- Why does the Maharaja order fifty rings?
- a) To please the British officer’s wife and avoid losing his kingdom.
- b) To gift them to his own wife.
- c) To make a grand display of wealth.
- d) To sell them at a higher price.
- How much did the rings cost the Maharaja?
- a) One lakh of rupees.
- b) Two lakh of rupees.
- c) Three lakh of rupees.
- d) Four lakh of rupees.
- What does this incident reveal about the Maharaja’s approach to maintaining his power?
- a) He is careful with his finances.
- b) He avoids any interaction with the British.
- c) He uses wealth to ensure political favour.
- d) He is indifferent to British demands.
Answer Key:
- a) To please the British officer’s wife and avoid losing his kingdom.
- c) Three lakh of rupees.
- c) He uses wealth to ensure political favour.
Extract 5
“A few days later the Maharaja’s son’s third birthday was celebrated… Finally he spotted a wooden tiger in a toyshop and decided it was the perfect gift.”
Questions:
- Why does the Maharaja purchase a wooden tiger?
- a) It is a symbolic gift for his son.
- b) It is the only toy available.
- c) He cannot afford a real tiger.
- d) He wishes to avoid tigers altogether.
- How much did the wooden tiger cost according to the shopkeeper?
- a) Two annas.
- b) Two hundred rupees.
- c) Three hundred rupees.
- d) Three thousand rupees.
- What was ironic about the Maharaja’s choice of gift?
- a) The toy tiger injured him, fulfilling the prophecy of his death by a tiger.
- b) His son disliked the toy tiger.
- c) The wooden tiger was stolen shortly after.
- d) The shopkeeper refused to sell it to him.
Answer Key:
- a) It is a symbolic gift for his son.
- c) Three hundred rupees.
- a) The toy tiger injured him, fulfilling the prophecy of his death by a tiger.
Important Questions from The Tiger King
1. How did astrologers predict the fate of the Tiger King?
The astrologers predicted that the newborn prince would eventually meet his death due to a tiger. This prophecy became central to the Tiger King’s life, as he aimed to escape this fate by hunting tigers.
2. What was the significance of the Maharaja’s vow to kill one hundred tigers?
The vow symbolised his fierce determination to defy fate. By killing one hundred tigers, he believed he could prove the astrologers wrong and ensure his safety from the prophesied death.
3. How did the Tiger King react after killing his first tiger?
He felt triumphant and eagerly called the astrologer to boast about his success. His reaction demonstrated his pride and his desire to show his strength against fate.
4. Why did the Maharaja ban tiger hunting for everyone except himself?
The ban was imposed to ensure that no one else would kill the tigers he needed for his tally of a hundred. By monopolising the hunt, he believed he could fulfil the prophecy and secure his survival.
5. Describe how the Tiger King saved his kingdom from British officials.
When a high-ranking British officer expressed a desire to hunt tigers, the Tiger King diplomatically avoided this by sending an expensive gift of fifty diamond rings to the officer’s wife. This gesture allowed him to keep his kingdom safe without compromising his tiger count.
6. How did the Tiger King’s ambition affect the lives of his subjects?
His obsession with killing tigers became a burden for the people. He raised taxes and dismissed officials when his demands were not met, showing how his ambition overshadowed his duties as a ruler.
7. What role did the dewan play in helping the Tiger King complete his tiger tally?
The dewan secretly arranged for an old tiger from a nearby zoo to be released into the forest so that the Tiger King could hunt it. This act highlighted the dewan’s fear of the king and his willingness to fulfil his wishes.
8. How did the hundredth tiger become the cause of the Maharaja’s death?
Ironically, the hundredth tiger, which was actually a wooden toy tiger, caused a wound on his hand that became infected. Despite his efforts, this small injury led to his death, fulfilling the prophecy in an unexpected way.
9. What is the significance of the title The Tiger King?
The title reflects the protagonist’s identity and obsession. It symbolises his pride, his fear of fate, and his ironic end due to the very creature he tried to conquer.
10. In what ways does The Tiger King serve as a satire on human arrogance?
The Tiger King uses humour and irony to mock human arrogance and the belief that fate can be outwitted. The king’s ultimate demise, caused by a toy tiger, underlines the futility of his pride and the consequences of attempting to control nature.
MCQs on The Tiger King
1. Why was the infant prince of Pratibandapuram given the title ‘Tiger King’?
- a) He showed bravery at a young age.
- b) Astrologers predicted he would die due to a tiger.
- c) He had a pet tiger as a child.
- d) He belonged to the Tiger Kingdom.
Answer: b) Astrologers predicted he would die due to a tiger.
2. What astonished the chief astrologer about the newborn prince?
- a) The prince could speak intelligently.
- b) The prince cried unusually.
- c) The prince was very quiet.
- d) The prince had tiger-like eyes.
Answer: a) The prince could speak intelligently.
3. Which royal title did the Tiger King bear?
- a) Sata Vyaghra Samhari
- b) Visva Bhuvana Samrat
- c) Maharajadhiraja
- d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
4. How did the astrologers predict the Tiger King’s death would occur?
- a) Through an enemy attack.
- b) Due to a tiger.
- c) Because of a war.
- d) In a natural disaster.
Answer: b) Due to a tiger.
5. What was the Maharaja’s reaction after killing his first tiger?
- a) He felt sad.
- b) He was ecstatic.
- c) He decided to give up hunting.
- d) He ignored it.
Answer: b) He was ecstatic.
6. What did the astrologer warn about the hundredth tiger?
- a) The Maharaja should beware of it.
- b) It would be a very strong tiger.
- c) It would have magical powers.
- d) It would be the easiest to kill.
Answer: a) The Maharaja should beware of it.
7. How did the Maharaja handle the threat from the British officer?
- a) He allowed him to hunt a tiger.
- b) He gifted diamond rings to his wife.
- c) He gave up hunting tigers.
- d) He went into hiding.
Answer: b) He gifted diamond rings to his wife.
8. How much did the diamond rings cost the Maharaja?
- a) One lakh rupees
- b) Two lakh rupees
- c) Three lakh rupees
- d) Four lakh rupees
Answer: c) Three lakh rupees
9. What difficulty did the Maharaja face after killing seventy tigers?
- a) A lack of tigers in his state.
- b) An injury from a tiger.
- c) Financial issues.
- d) Opposition from his subjects.
Answer: a) A lack of tigers in his state.
10. Why did the Maharaja marry a princess from another state?
- a) He was in love with her.
- b) He wanted access to more tigers.
- c) He was forced by his ministers.
- d) He wished to expand his kingdom.
Answer: b) He wanted access to more tigers.
11. What measure did the Maharaja take to find his hundredth tiger?
- a) He doubled taxes.
- b) He offered a reward.
- c) He called on his dewan to arrange a tiger.
- d) He went to a neighbouring kingdom.
Answer: c) He called on his dewan to arrange a tiger.
12. How did the dewan obtain a tiger for the Maharaja?
- a) He purchased it from a zoo.
- b) He brought it from the People’s Park in Madras.
- c) He captured it from a forest.
- d) He borrowed it from another kingdom.
Answer: b) He brought it from the People’s Park in Madras.
13. How did the Maharaja finally “kill” the hundredth tiger?
- a) By shooting it directly.
- b) It was killed by the hunters after he missed.
- c) He caught it with his hands.
- d) The tiger died of natural causes.
Answer: b) It was killed by the hunters after he missed.
14. What gift did the Maharaja buy for his son’s third birthday?
- a) A real tiger cub
- b) A small wooden tiger
- c) A gold necklace
- d) A new hunting rifle
Answer: b) A small wooden tiger
15. How did the wooden tiger lead to the Maharaja’s death?
- a) It fell on him.
- b) A splinter pierced his hand, causing an infection.
- c) He tripped over it and injured his leg.
- d) It caused a heart attack.
Answer: b) A splinter pierced his hand, causing an infection.
16. What irony does the story’s ending convey?
- a) The Tiger King dies due to a real tiger’s attack.
- b) The King’s fear of tigers leads to his death by a toy tiger.
- c) The King decides to protect tigers in the end.
- d) The King wins against fate entirely.
Answer: b) The King’s fear of tigers leads to his death by a toy tiger.
17. How is the story a satire on human arrogance?
- a) It shows the futility of trying to defy destiny.
- b) It encourages people to be more courageous.
- c) It portrays humans as more powerful than nature.
- d) It praises the Tiger King’s determination.
Answer: a) It shows the futility of trying to defy destiny.
18. What did the Tiger King achieve by hunting so many tigers?
- a) He saved his kingdom.
- b) He fulfilled his own ego but failed to avoid fate.
- c) He gained wealth and fame.
- d) He received a title from the British.
Answer: b) He fulfilled his own ego but failed to avoid fate.
19. Why did the Maharaja ban everyone else from hunting tigers?
- a) To ensure he could complete his tally of one hundred.
- b) To conserve the tiger population.
- c) To demonstrate his kindness towards animals.
- d) To protect the tigers in his kingdom.
Answer: a) To ensure he could complete his tally of one hundred.
20. What is the primary theme of The Tiger King?
- a) The thrill of hunting
- b) The consequences of arrogance and defiance of fate
- c) The importance of animal conservation
- d) The value of loyalty among subjects
Answer: b) The consequences of arrogance and defiance of fate
Pingback: Class 12 Vistas: Chapter-wise Notes and Explanations for Exam Prep! - Solved Notes