Chapter 2: The Tiger King – Class 12 English Vistas NCERT Solutions

NCERT Class 12 English Vistas Chapter 2 The Tiger King

READ AND FIND OUT

Q1. Who is the Tiger King? Why does he get that name?

The Tiger King is the Maharaja of the princely state of Pratibandapuram. His full name is His Highness Jamedar-General, Khiledar-Major, Sata Vyaghra Samhari, Maharaja Sir Jilani Jung Jung Bahadur. He is called the Tiger King because of a prophecy made at the time of his birth. The royal astrologers predicted that the prince’s death would come from a tiger. To challenge this prediction and prove it wrong, the Maharaja sets out to kill one hundred tigers during his lifetime. His obsession with killing tigers earns him the title of ‘The Tiger King’.

Q2. What did the royal infant grow up to be?

The royal infant, who astonished the astrologers by speaking at the age of just ten days, grew up to be a brave and determined ruler. As he matured, he developed a strong interest in English education and culture. He was trained in various disciplines like sword fighting, marksmanship, and hunting. Most importantly, he became obsessed with the prophecy that predicted his death by a tiger. As he grew into adulthood and became the Maharaja of Pratibandapuram, this prophecy dictated his actions and led him on a relentless mission to hunt and kill one hundred tigers to escape his foretold death.

Q3. What will the Maharaja do to find the required number of tigers to kill?

After killing seventy tigers in his own state, the Maharaja faces a problem—there are no more tigers left in his territory. Determined to reach the count of one hundred, he decides to marry a princess from a state where the tiger population is still intact. By doing so, he ensures that he can continue his hunt in his father-in-law’s kingdom. Each time he visits the kingdom, he goes on tiger hunts. In this way, he manages to raise his tally of killed tigers to ninety-nine. His determination to fulfill the prophecy leads him to take extreme measures, including using his political power and threatening officials.

Q4. How will the Maharaja prepare himself for the hundredth tiger which was supposed to decide his fate?

As the number of tigers killed reaches ninety-nine, the Maharaja becomes increasingly anxious about finding and killing the hundredth tiger, which he believes will completely nullify the prophecy. He waits for days and even grows impatient and irritable. When no tiger is found in his state, he threatens his officials with dismissal and punishment. Eventually, the Dewan brings an old tiger from a circus and secretly places it in the forest so the Maharaja can kill it. The Maharaja goes to the forest, spots the tiger, and shoots at it. He believes he has killed the hundredth tiger and is relieved that the prophecy has been defeated.

Q5. What will now happen to the astrologer? Do you think the prophecy was indisputably disproved?

According to the Maharaja’s belief, once he has killed the hundredth tiger, the prophecy should be disproved, and the astrologer would be proved wrong. However, irony plays a major role in the story. The hundredth tiger, which the Maharaja shot at, was not actually killed by him—his bullet missed. The hunters later killed the tiger to avoid facing the king’s anger. The Maharaja remained unaware of this truth. Later, the prophecy came true in a strange way. He died due to an infection caused by a wooden toy tiger, which was ironically the hundredth tiger in a symbolic sense. Thus, the prophecy was not indisputably disproved; in fact, it was fulfilled in an unexpected and ironic manner.

READING WITH INSIGHT

Q1. 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?

At first glance, ‘The Tiger King’ appears to be a simple tale about a royal prince and his journey as a king. The prophesy at his birth, predicting his death at the hands of a tiger, adds a sense of suspense and intrigue. However, the story is a satirical commentary on the arrogance of those in power, especially the Tiger King and the British officer in the story. The author uses dramatic irony to show the flaws and pretensions of these characters. Their words and actions often carry an additional meaning unknown to them. The Tiger King is determined to kill one hundred tigers to prove the astrologer’s prediction wrong, but ironically, he succumbs to the fate of being killed by a wooden tiger. Similarly, the British officer’s vanity is displayed when he is more interested in a photograph with the dead tiger than the hunt itself. The Tiger King even offers to organize hunts for other animals, but his refusal costs him three lakh rupees. Ultimately, the British officer is pleased when his wife receives diamond rings from the Maharaja, showcasing the shallow nature of their concerns.

Q2. What is the author’s indirect comment on subjecting innocent animals to the willfulness of human beings?

Throughout history, humans have subjected animals to their whims for sport, food, and various other purposes. While the author doesn’t directly critique this behavior, the story indirectly highlights the cruelty of humans towards animals. The Maharaja, for instance, justifies the killing of tigers by quoting an old saying, “You may kill even a cow in self-defence.” This rationalization reflects the callousness of humans towards wildlife, as well as their disregard for ecological balance. The extinction of tigers in the Maharaja’s kingdom and his father-in-law’s state serves as a clear consequence of such mindless exploitation. To fulfill his desire to kill a hundred tigers, the Maharaja resorts to bringing an old tiger from a zoo, further illustrating how human greed and ego impact the survival of wildlife.

Q3. 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 are largely driven by fear rather than genuine loyalty. Most of them obey his commands out of fear of losing their jobs, or worse, their lives. The Maharaja’s temper and stubbornness lead to many officers and servants losing their positions or suffering consequences when they displease him. Only a few, like the chief astrologer, display sincerity. The astrologer even goes so far as to risk his own life by offering to burn his astrology books and cut his hair if his prediction proves false. The other servants, including the dewan, do not openly challenge the Maharaja’s authority, as disobedience could cost them dearly. In today’s political world, there is often a similar culture of fear where subordinates cater to the whims of their superiors, driven more by self-preservation than genuine allegiance. This behavior reflects the widespread culture of sycophancy seen in many power structures.

Q4. 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?

While hunting of big game has been banned by law in many countries due to the danger of species extinction, cases of such hunts still persist. The rich and powerful—former kings, nawabs, and even celebrities—are often involved in game-hunting. Although wildlife sanctuaries and national parks have been set up to protect endangered species, illegal hunting continues, often fueled by greed. The cases of M.A.K. Pataudi and Salman Khan, who faced legal action for hunting, reflect how powerful individuals can evade justice or engage in acts of cruelty towards animals. Additionally, poaching and smuggling continue to threaten the survival of many species, with animals being killed for their skins, meat, or other body parts.

Q5. 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.

The modern era is undeniably the age of ecology, where humans have started to realize the importance of protecting the environment and wildlife. A new system is needed to ensure the well-being of all living beings, not just humans. This system should prioritize the preservation of ecological balance, as the destruction of any species can lead to unforeseen consequences, such as the overpopulation of prey animals if predators are wiped out. Every species, no matter how dangerous or small, plays a crucial role in the ecosystem. Therefore, steps should be taken to preserve biodiversity and maintain harmony with nature. Protecting the Earth from pollution, conserving water, and ensuring the survival of endangered species should be central to this new system. Only through collective responsibility and global efforts can we safeguard the future of all life on Earth.

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Q1. Who is the hero of the story ‘The Tiger King’? How may he be identified?

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. This name is often shortened to the Tiger King.

Q2. What does the author consider imperative right at the start?

The author considers it imperative to disclose a matter of vital importance about the Tiger King. He was a man of indomitable courage. Everyone who reads of him will have a natural desire to meet him face-to-face. But there is no chance of its fulfilment as the Tiger King is dead.

Q3. Which matter about the Tiger King is of extraordinary interest?

The manner of the death of the Tiger King is of extraordinary interest. The most fantastic aspect of his demise was that as soon as he was born, astrologers had foretold that one day the Tiger King would actually have to die.

Q4. What was the great miracle that took place? What was its result?

The astrologers said the child born under that particular star would one day have to meet its death. At that very moment a great miracle took place. An astonishing phrase emerged from the lips of the ten-day-old Jilani Jung Jung Bahadur, “O wise prophets!” Everyone stood motionless with astonishment and stupidity.

Q5. What did the infant born just ten days ago tell the wise astrologers?

The infant said that all those who are born will one day have to die. So he did not need their predictions to know that. He further said that there would be some sense in it if they could tell him the manner of his death.

Q6. Why did the Maharaja order the dewan to double the land tax? [All India 2014]

Maharaja went out on an expedition to find the hundredth tiger. The tiger could not be found. That is why in anger he ordered the dewan to double the land tax.

Q7. How did the chief astrologer react to the infant prince’s observation?

The chief astrologer was surprised. He placed his finger on his nose in wonder. It was incredible that the ten-day-old infant raised intelligent questions. He said that the prince was born in the hour of the Bull. The Bull and the Tiger are enemies. Therefore, death comes from the Tiger.

Q8. How did the crown prince Jung Jung Bahadur grow up?

The infant had an uneventful childhood. He grew up just like other royal princes of Indian states during the British rule. The prince grew taller and stronger day by day. The boy drank the milk of an English cow. He was brought up by an English nanny and tutored in English by an Englishman. He saw nothing but English films.

Q9. How does the author satirise the upbringing and education of crown princes of Indian states?

The author makes us laugh by pointing out the excessive love of the Indian kings and queens for English education and English way of life. They seemed so enamoured of everything English that the crown princes drank the milk of English cows, were brought up by English nannies and tutored in English by Englishmen. They saw only English films. Thus, they were Indians only in flesh and blood, but aped Englishmen in culture and manners.

Q10. Why did the Maharaja ban tiger hunting in the state? [Delhi 2014]

Maharaja banned the tiger hunting in the state because he wanted to prove the predictions of the state astrologer wrong that he would be killed by the hundredth tiger. That is why he put a ban on the hunting of tigers in all the tiger-rich forests of Pratibandapuram.

Q11. Why, do you think, did the Maharaja send for the State astrologer?

Ans. The Maharaja was excited beyond measure when he killed his first tiger. He felt proud of his feat. He wanted to show the dead beast to the State astrologer. So, he sent for him and wanted to know what he said then.

Q12. Sum up in your own words the interview between the Maharaja and the State astrologer.

Ans. On the orders of the Maharaja, the State astrologer said that his majesty might kill ninety-nine tigers in exactly the same manner. But he must be careful with the hundredth tiger. The Maharaja observed that the hundredth tiger might also be killed. What will happen then? The astrologer said that then he would tear up all his books on astrology and set fire to them. Moreover, he would cut off his tuft, crop his hair short, and become an insurance agent.

Q13. Point out the irony in the statement: “From that day onwards it was celebration time for all the tigers inhabiting Pratibandapuram.”

Ans. The state banned tiger hunting by anyone except the Maharaja. An official statement was issued. If anyone dared to harm a tiger even by flinging a stone at him, all his wealth and property would be confiscated. The tigers could rejoice that they would not be killed by the riff-raff. The irony is that they were set to die at the hands of the Maharaja. The bullets of his gun awaited them.

Q14. How did the Maharaja devote himself to realise his ambition? How far did he succeed?

Ans. The Maharaja pursued his ambition with single-minded devotion. He vowed that he would attend to all other matters only after killing the hundred tigers. He bravely faced many dangers to his life from tigers in achieving his mission. Sometimes he had to fight a tiger with his bare hands. But each time the Maharaja proved victorious by killing the beast.

Q15. Why, do you think, was the Maharaja in danger of losing his throne?

Ans. The Maharaja had annoyed a high-ranking British officer by refusing him permission to hunt tigers in Pratibandapuram. The Maharaja did not relent even when the request was toned down that the durai himself did not have to kill the tiger. The Maharaja could do the actual killing. The durai wanted only a photograph of himself holding the gun and standing over the tiger’s carcass. The Maharaja stood in danger of losing his throne because he prevented a British officer from fulfilling his desire.

Q16. What traits of the Maharaja and the British officer are exposed and satirised through the episode of refusal of permission for tiger hunt by the British officer?

Ans. It reveals that the Maharaja was wilful, obstinate, and adamant. He had a false sense of honour. If he had permitted one British officer, others would also turn up. He is quite unreasonable and shows lack of understanding. Thus, he lacks practical approach. He would sacrifice diamonds to preserve his throne. The British officer seems publicity-conscious. He is more interested in the photographs with the dead tiger than in the tiger hunt. The costly gift of diamonds mollifies his hurt ego.

Q17. Would it be proper to call the Maharaja ‘penny-wise, pound foolish’? Give reasons for your answer.

Ans. The Maharaja insists on restricting tiger-killing in his state to himself. He is unwilling to compromise in this regard. He would not let any other person be even photographed with a dead tiger in his state. He has to send a gift of fifty diamond rings to the British officer’s good lady to placate the injured feelings of the man and to retain his kingdom. It illustrates that he was penny-wise, pound foolish.

Q18. What sort of hunts did the Maharaja offer to organise for the high-ranking British officer? What trait of the persons in high position does it reveal?

Ans. The Maharaja offered to organise any other hunt in place of the tiger hunt. The royal palace and the state itself had to find a replacement. The Maharaja finally agreed to help the British officer by sending the costly gift of fifty diamond rings for the lady. This reveals that persons in high positions are often egoistic and stubborn, unwilling to make compromises.

Q19. Comment on the ‘rings episode’ in the story ‘The Tiger King’.

Ans. The Maharaja of Pratibandapuram ordered a famous British company of jewellers in Calcutta to send samples of expensive diamond rings of different designs. Some fifty rings arrived. The Maharaja sent the whole lot to the British officer’s good lady. He expected her to choose one or two rings and send the rest back. But she simply sent a letter of thanks. The episode reveals human weaknesses such as vanity, pride, greed, cunningness, flattery and appeasement.

Q20. “……. an unforeseen hurdle brought his mission to a standstill”. What was the mission and how did it stop? What do you find amusing in the reasons justifying the ‘hurdle’?

Ans. The Maharaja’s mission was to shoot one hundred tigers. He had killed seventy tigers within ten years. Then the tiger population became extinct in the forests of Pratibandapuram. The possible reasons for the absence of tigers are quite amusing and even ludicrous. Either the tigers practised birth control or they committed suicide. They might have run away from the state. Perhaps they desired to be shot by the British hands alone.

Q21. How did the dewan behave when the Maharaja summoned him and brandished his gun?

Ans. The dewan shuddered at the sight of the gun. He cried out, “Your Majesty! I am not a tiger!” The Maharaja enquired which idiot would call him a tiger. The dewan then declared that he was not a gun. The Maharaja became a bit polite. Addressing him as ‘Dewan Saheb’ he assured him that he was neither tiger nor gun. He was summoned there for a different purpose.

Q22. How did the dewan react to the Maharaja’s declaration, “I have decided to get married”?

Ans. The reaction of the dewan is quite funny and amusing. He thinks that the Maharaja wants to marry him. He says that he has already two wives. The Maharaja clarifies that he does not want to marry him. He wants a tiger. The dewan interrupts him saying that his ancestors were married to the sword. He might marry the gun if he liked. He added that a Tiger King was more than enough for that state. It did not need a Tiger Queen as well.

Q23. How did the Maharaja make his intentions clear to the dewan? What do you think is his first priority in marriage?

Ans. The Maharaja said that he was not thinking of marrying either a tiger or a gun. He wanted to marry a girl from the ranks of human beings. He asked the dewan to collect statistics of tiger population in the different native states. Then he should find out if there was a girl he could marry in the royal family of the state with a large tiger population. Evidently, his first priority is the tiger.

Q24. How did the Maharaja succeed in raising his tiger tally to ninety-nine?

Ans. The Maharaja married a girl from a state which possessed a large number of tigers. Each time he visited his father-in-law, he killed five or six tigers. In this manner, he raised the tally of tigers killed by him from seventy to ninety-nine.

Q25. Why was the Maharaja so anxious to kill the hundredth tiger?

Ans. The Maharaja had killed ninety-nine tigers. If he could kill just one more tiger, he would have no fear left. Then he could give up tiger hunting altogether. He thought of the tiger during the day and dreamt of it at night. Moreover, he had to be extremely careful with that last tiger. The late chief astrologer had already warned him.

Q26. “It seemed easier to find tiger’s milk than a live tiger.” Why? What does the contradiction imply?

As the Maharaja reached near the coveted figure of hundred, his difficulties also multiplied. He had already killed ninety-nine tigers, but then the tiger farms ran dry even in his father-in-law’s kingdom. It became impossible to locate tigers anywhere. The hundredth tiger seemed difficult to find. One can’t get tiger’s milk without finding the tigress. Yet it is thought easier than finding a live tiger. The contradiction implies the difficulty in locating a tiger.

Q27. Why was the Maharaja sunk in gloom? Was he able to overpower it? How/How not?

Only one tiger remained to be killed by the Maharaja, but it seemed impossible to locate a tiger. So, the Maharaja was sunk in gloom. Then he got the happy news. In his own state, sheep began to disappear frequently from a hillside village. It was found out that this was not the work of Khader Mian Saheb or Virasami Naicker. Both of them could swallow sheep whole. It was then deduced that it was the work of a tiger. The villagers ran to inform the Maharaja about the availability of a tiger.

Q28. What aspects of the Maharaja’s nature and conduct does the wait for the hundredth tiger reveal?

The wait for the hundredth tiger reveals the royal rage, obstinacy and firm determination of the Maharaja. He refused to leave the forest until the tiger was found. Many officers lost their jobs because of his anger. Even the dewan was asked to resign his post. This shows that the Maharaja was insensitive towards his employees.

Q29. How, do you think, did the dewan try to help the Maharaja achieve his mission?

The aged dewan was very wise. He brought an old tiger from the People’s Park in Madras. He kept it hidden in his house. Judging the impatience of the Maharaja to shoot the tiger, he decided to release it near the Maharaja’s camp. So, at midnight he dragged the tiger to the car with the help of his aged wife and shoved it into the seat. He drove the car himself straight to the forest and hauled the beast out of the car and pushed it down to the ground near the Maharaja’s camp.

Q30. How does the tiger behave towards the dewan, the Maharaja and the hunters? What does his behaviour show?

The tiger behaves like a pet animal with the dewan. The dewan and his aged wife drag the tiger to the car and shove it into the seat. In the forest, the tiger launches its satyagraha and refuses to get out of the car. The Dewan tries hard to haul it out of the car and push it down to the ground. It stands before the Maharaja as if in humble supplication. It falls down in a crumpled heap as the Maharaja fires the gun. It faints from the shock of the bullet whizzing past. It looks back at the hunters rolling its eyes in bafflement. This shows that it is a very old and weak tiger.

Q31. “The bullet had missed it.” “This time he killed it without missing his mark.” Whose bullet had missed the tiger? How was the beast killed ultimately? Bring out the irony of the situation.

The Maharaja’s bullet missed the tiger though he had taken careful aim at the beast. The shock of the sound of the bullet made it faint. One hunter took aim from a distance of one foot and shot the tiger dead. It is ridiculous that the Tiger King who had killed ninety-nine tigers should miss his aim. It is funny that the hunter takes aim from a hand-shaking distance. The whole situation is ironic.

Q32. How does the hundredth tiger take its final revenge upon the Tiger King?

The Tiger King could not kill the hundredth tiger. It had merely fainted from shock of the sound of the bullet. It is the wooden tiger from the toyshop that becomes the cause of Maharaja’s death. One of the slivers on its body pierces the Maharaja’s right hand. Infection flares up and the prick develops into a suppurating sore. The Maharaja dies during the operation.

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Q1. What do you learn about princes and kings of native Indian states during the British rule from the story ‘The Tiger King’?

The story paints a vivid picture of the princes and rulers of Indian princely states during British colonial rule. These rulers often had long and ornate titles, reflecting their pride and vanity. They eagerly sought validation from the British government, viewing its recognition as a prestigious honour. Their lifestyle, education, and behaviour often mimicked British traditions. The kings ruled with absolute authority, and their word was considered law. They were feared and obeyed by ministers and courtiers alike. The narrative highlights their whimsical nature, which sometimes led to irrational decisions with heavy financial costs. For instance, the Maharaja of Pratibandapuram spends a fortune on diamond rings to retain his kingdom. Even matrimonial alliances were based more on political convenience than personal qualities. Overall, the kings are depicted as impulsive, self-indulgent, and obsessed with their perceived grandeur and bravery.

Q2. What did the astrologers predict about the infant prince? What was the miracle that baffled them? What did the chief astrologer enlighten the prince about and how?

At the time of the prince’s birth, astrologers foretold that he would face death someday, a fact dictated by his star’s position. What shocked everyone was that the newborn prince, merely ten days old, spoke up and questioned the astrologers. He remarked that everyone born must eventually die, and that their prediction was nothing new unless they could specify how he would die. The astrologers were astounded not only by the baby’s ability to talk but also by his logical thinking. The chief astrologer, after careful analysis, declared that since the prince was born under the sign of the Bull, whose natural enemy is the Tiger, the prince’s death would be caused by a tiger.

Q3. How did the Maharaja try to disprove the prediction of the chief astrologer? What did the state astrologer assert when the Maharaja summoned him to show his first kill?

Determined to avoid the fate foretold, the Maharaja set out to kill tigers himself. He launched a personal mission to hunt and eliminate tigers from his kingdom. When he successfully killed his first tiger, he proudly summoned the state astrologer to prove that he was changing his destiny. The astrologer, however, cautioned him. He agreed that the Maharaja might kill ninety-nine tigers, but warned him to be extremely cautious with the hundredth one. When the king asked what would happen if he killed the hundredth tiger too, the astrologer said he would abandon astrology altogether, cut off his sacred tuft, and take up a new profession as an insurance agent.

Q4. What problems did the Maharaja face in pursuit of his mission? How did he resolve them?

The Maharaja pursued his mission with unwavering determination. He set aside all state affairs to focus on tiger hunting. Initially, things went well, but challenges soon emerged. Sometimes he missed his target, and at times he had to engage in dangerous hand-to-paw combat with wild tigers. Nevertheless, his courage always saw him through. A major setback came when a British officer, fond of hunting, wanted to shoot a tiger in his kingdom. The Maharaja refused and risked losing his throne. To appease the officer without compromising his vow, he offered an expensive gift of diamond rings to the officer’s wife, thus saving his kingdom.

Q5. How does the author satirise the hunting instincts of the persons in authority?

The story mocks the obsession of royal and colonial elites with hunting, portraying it as a shallow pursuit of glory. The Maharaja monopolizes tiger hunting in his state, turning it into a personal quest. His entire life revolves around killing tigers, sidelining governance and other responsibilities. Even his marriage is driven by the availability of tigers in the prospective bride’s kingdom. Similarly, British officials are shown to treat tiger hunting as a status symbol, craving photographs with their kills. The satire extends to absurd hunts like mouse-hunting and mosquito-hunting, ridiculing the arrogance and irrational whims of those in power.

Q6. How did the Maharaja devise a new avenue to fulfil his ambition to kill one hundred tigers? How far did he succeed?

After killing seventy tigers in his kingdom, the forests were emptied of the species. The Maharaja, still determined to complete his goal, decided to marry a princess from a state rich in tiger population. His dewan was instructed to find such a bride. After the marriage, the Maharaja used every visit to his father-in-law’s state to hunt and kill more tigers. This strategy proved fruitful, and he was able to raise his count to ninety-nine.

Q7. Give an account of the Maharaja’s impatience for the hundredth tiger and the actual encounter. What, do you think, caused the death of the Tiger King?

Eager to eliminate the final threat, the Maharaja desperately searched for the hundredth tiger. When one was reportedly seen near a hillside, he rushed to the spot and lay in wait. However, the tiger avoided him, perhaps sensing danger. To help their king, the dewan arranged for an old tiger from a zoo and released it near the Maharaja’s camp. The next day, the king shot at the tiger, which collapsed. In truth, the bullet had missed, and the tiger fainted out of fear. Later, the king was fatally injured by a small wooden splinter from a toy tiger he had bought for his son. The wound got infected, and despite surgery, he died—ironically, fulfilling the astrologer’s prophecy.

Q8. Comment on the ending of the story ‘The Tiger King’. Do you find it convincing? Give reasons.

The ending of the story feels exaggerated and symbolic rather than realistic. It seems unlikely that a man who braved wild tigers would die from an infected wound caused by a wooden splinter. The speed at which the infection spreads and claims his life is also implausible. However, the ending serves a purpose—it reinforces the theme of fate and the inevitability of death. It gives poetic justice to the narrative, suggesting that destiny cannot be cheated. While it may appeal to readers who enjoy irony and symbolism, it might not satisfy those who prefer logical, realistic conclusions.

Q9. Comment on the appropriateness of the title ‘The Tiger King’.

The title ‘The Tiger King’ is highly appropriate and symbolic. It highlights the central character, the Maharaja of Pratibandapuram, whose entire life revolves around tigers. From the moment of his birth to his eventual death, tigers shape his fate. His identity and actions are deeply tied to tiger hunting—so much so that he marries solely for access to more tigers. Ironically, the object that leads to his death is a toy tiger. The title not only captures the essence of his obsession but also reflects the irony of his fate. It perfectly encapsulates the story’s core theme.

Q10. What devices does the author use to make the story ‘The Tiger King’ humorous and interesting?

The author skillfully uses irony, satire, exaggeration, and absurdity to create humor and keep the reader engaged. The scene where a ten-day-old infant speaks in a mature, logical tone is both shocking and comical. The narrative pokes fun at the Maharaja’s education, his obsession with British manners, and his single-minded focus on tiger hunting. Exaggerated scenarios, like marrying for tiger access or offering diamond rings to avoid political backlash, add to the humor. Even more ridiculous are mentions of hunts for mice and mosquitoes. These literary techniques not only entertain but also critique the eccentricities of those in power.