Class 12 English - MAHARASHTRA
Supplementary: The Tiger King
Supplementary: The Tiger King by Kalki is a satirical story that mocks the ego, power-tripping, and whims of those in power, specifically royal elites. The chapter revolves around the Maharaja of Pratibandapuram, who tries to defy a prophecy that a tiger will cause his death by embarking on a massive, obsessive mission to hunt down one hundred tigers. For Maharashtra (MSBSHSE) Class 12 board exams, this chapter is crucial for testing your reading comprehension, character analysis, and understanding of irony and satire. Board questions often focus on the theme of fate versus human agency, the satire on British imperialism, and the story's dramatic, ironic ending.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
The Prophecy
A prediction made by the chief astrologer at the Tiger King's birth that his death would come from a tiger, setting off the entire chain of events in the story.
Satire and Irony
Kalki uses sharp humor to mock the arrogance of British officers and Indian rulers, culminating in the ultimate irony of the king's death caused not by a live tiger, but by a wooden toy tiger.
Environmental Theme
The story subtly highlights the tragic consequences of human greed and royalty on wildlife, showing how the tiger population in Pratibandapuram was completely wiped out.
Character of the Tiger King (JungJung Bahadur)
Portrayed as headstrong, arrogant, and determined, his actions are driven entirely by fear of the prophecy and a desperate need to prove astrologers wrong.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Maharashtra (MSBSHSE) Class 12 English board exam, questions from the supplementary section (Footprints Without Feet or Vistas equivalent) usually carry around 4 to 6 marks. Common question types include short answer questions (about 50 words) focusing on character traits, plot events, and long answer questions (about 100-150 words) analyzing the theme of satire, the appropriateness of the title, or the ironic ending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Maharaja in danger of losing his throne?
A high-ranking British officer wanted to hunt a tiger in Pratibandapuram and get photographed with it, but the Maharaja refused permission, risking his kingdom to protect his own hunting agenda.
How did the Tiger King finally meet his death?
He died from an infection caused by a sliver of wood from a poorly carved wooden toy tiger that he bought as a birthday gift for his son.
What is the significance of the title 'The Tiger King'?
The title highlights the obsession of the protagonist, JungJung Bahadur, whose entire life, political decisions, and identity revolved around hunting tigers, ultimately leading to his ironic downfall.
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