The Tiger King | Lesson 2 | English 12th | Vistas | Summary | Questions | Answers

JANDKNCERT – Free NCERT Solutions | for | Class 12th | English | Vistas

The Tiger King | Lesson 2 | English 12th | Vistas | Summary | Questions | Answers

 

Short Summary

The Tiger King by Kalki is a satirical story about the absurd and ironic fate of the Maharaja of Pratibandapuram, who becomes obsessed with killing 100 tigers to prove his bravery. He succeeds in killing 99 tigers, but when he tries to kill the 100th, he is ultimately killed by a tiger, not in battle but through a seemingly trivial accident. The story critiques the Maharaja's arrogance, greed, and cruelty towards nature, highlighting the absurdity of his obsession and the consequences of his actions.

 

Read and Find Out

Q1. Who is the Tiger King? Why does he get that name? (Page No. 8)

Answer: The Tiger King is the Maharaja of Pratibandapuram. He earns this name because of his obsession with hunting tigers to defy a prophecy that a tiger would cause his death. He becomes known for killing numerous tigers to avoid his foretold fate.

Q2. What did the royal infant grow up to be? (Page No. 10)

Answer: The royal infant grows up to be a brave and resolute Maharaja. He is determined to challenge the prophecy about his death by hunting and killing 100 tigers, believing it would nullify the astrologer’s prediction.

Q3. What will the Maharaja do to find the required number of tigers to kill? (Page No. 13)

Answer: The Maharaja depletes the tiger population in his own state and subsequently bans tiger hunting by anyone else. When no more tigers are left, he marries a princess from a neighbouring kingdom that has many tigers, ensuring a steady supply for his hunts.

Q4. How will the Maharaja prepare himself for the hundredth tiger which was supposed to decide his fate? (Page No. 14)

Answer: The Maharaja becomes increasingly anxious as he approaches the 100th tiger. He carefully tracks and hunts it, determined to shoot it himself. However, his overconfidence blinds him to the fact that the tiger survives his shot, a secret kept by his minions.

Q5. What will now happen to the astrologer? Do you think the prophecy was indisputably disproved? (Page No. 15)

Answer: The astrologer would not face any consequences since the Maharaja believes he has successfully defied the prophecy by killing 100 tigers. However, the prophecy is not disproved as the Maharaja’s death is ultimately caused by a wooden toy tiger, ironically fulfilling the prediction. This outcome underscores the futility of trying to escape fate.

 

Reading with Insight

 

Question 1. 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?

Answer: The story employs dramatic irony to highlight the Maharaja’s conceit and foolishness. Despite his efforts to avert his predicted death by killing 100 tigers, he is ironically killed by a wooden toy tiger, a trivial and unintended outcome. This device underscores the futility of his obsession and mocks the arrogance of those in power, who believe they can control fate and nature.

Question 2. What is the author’s indirect comment on subjecting innocent animals to the wilfulness of human beings?

Answer: The author indirectly critiques the cruelty of subjecting innocent animals to human whims through the Maharaja’s mindless slaughter of tigers. His actions symbolize the destructive tendencies of humans who exploit nature for power, pride, or pleasure. The irony of his death suggests nature’s subtle revenge and serves as a moral lesson against such wilfulness.

Question 3. 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?

Answer: The Maharaja’s minions exhibit blind obedience driven by fear rather than genuine loyalty. They flatter and comply with his irrational demands to avoid his wrath, reflecting a lack of sincerity. This dynamic mirrors today’s political systems where subordinates often act out of fear or self-interest, pandering to the whims of authoritarian leaders instead of standing up for ethical principles.

Question 4. 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?

Answer: Instances of game-hunting by the rich and powerful today, such as trophy hunting of endangered species like lions or rhinos, demonstrate similar callousness. Such practices highlight a disregard for wildlife conservation and ecological balance, driven by vanity and greed. These actions often face backlash from conservationists, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations to protect wildlife.

Question 5. 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.

Answer: A new system for the age of ecology should prioritize sustainability, equity, and the well-being of all life forms. This requires:

Promoting conservation and biodiversity.

Educating people about environmental ethics.

Implementing policies that protect ecosystems and reduce exploitation.

Encouraging community-based efforts to harmonize human needs with environmental care.
Such a system would ensure a future where human progress aligns with the health of the Earth, emphasizing coexistence over dominance.