NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Chapter 15 The Tiger King

Short Note:

• The story humorously narrates the tale of the Maharaja of Pratibandapuram, who is prophesied at birth to eventually be killed by a tiger, leading him to become obsessed with personally killing 100 tigers to defy this fate.

• Through arrogance, political manipulation and reckless determination, the king manages to kill 99 tigers, even going to extreme lengths, such as marrying into royalty specifically to access tiger-rich territories, and endangering others to protect his own reputation.

• Ironically, after finally believing he has killed his 100th tiger (though it later turns out he actually only wounded it, and it was killed by hunters), the king is ultimately killed by a splinter from a wooden toy tiger, humorously fulfilling the original prophecy in an unexpected way.

Short Note:

• The story satirically critiques the arrogance, excessive pride, and irrational, obsessive behaviour of those in positions of power, humorously illustrating the futility of trying to defy fate through sheer willpower or force.

• It also offers subtle criticism of British colonial rule and the sycophantic, corrupt practices often prevalent among Indian royalty and bureaucracy during that era.

Short Note:

• The Maharaja (Tiger King): An arrogant, obsessive ruler whose singular focus on defying a childhood prophecy ultimately leads him into reckless, irrational behaviour and ironic downfall.

• The State Astrologer: The figure whose initial prophecy sets the entire narrative into motion, symbolising the persistent human anxiety about fate and destiny.