Class 12 English - HARYANA
Supplementary: The Tiger King
Supplementary: The Tiger King by Kalki is a satirical story mocking the pride and stubbornness of those in power. It revolves around the Maharaja of Pratibandapuram, Jung Jung Bahadur, who tries to defy his predicted death by a tiger. He goes on a massive tiger-killing spree, wiping out the tiger population in his state, only to be fatally killed by a wooden toy tiger. This chapter is very important for the Haryana (BSEH) Class 12 English board exams as it tests students on critical thinking, character sketching, and understanding the author's subtle irony and critique of environmental destruction.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Irony and Satire
The entire story is a classic example of situational irony where the king thinks he has conquered destiny by killing a hundred tigers, but dies from an infection caused by a splinter from a wooden tiger.
The Prophecy
When the Tiger King was just ten days old, astrologers predicted that his death would come from a tiger, prompting him to vow that he would kill a hundred tigers.
Political Flattery
The chapter highlights how sycophants and British officers manipulated the Maharaja's obsession for personal gains, showing the moral corruption of officials.
Environmental Theme
Kalki uses humor to subtly address the serious ecological issue of reckless wildlife destruction and animal extinction driven by human hubris.
Dramatic Ending
The climax subverts reader expectations, emphasizing that destiny cannot be cheated, no matter how much power or wealth one possesses.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Haryana (BSEH) Class 12 English board exams, supplementary reader chapters like 'The Tiger King' frequently carry questions worth 2 to 5 marks. Students can expect short answer type questions testing plot comprehension and long answer questions focusing on the theme, character sketch of the Maharaja, or the satirical elements of the story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Maharaja called the 'Tiger King'?
He was called the Tiger King because his entire life revolved around killing tigers to prove an astrologer's prediction wrong, eventually killing a hundred of them.
How did the Tiger King actually die?
He died from a mild infection caused by a wooden splinter that pierced his right hand while he was playing with a poorly carved wooden tiger he bought as a birthday gift for his son.
What message does the story convey?
The story conveys the message that destiny is inescapable and mocks the foolishness of those in power who exploit nature and wildlife for their selfish motives.
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