Class 12 English - ODISHA
Supplementary: The Tiger King
Supplementary: The Tiger King by Kalki is a satirical story that mocks the ego, power, and hubris of those in authority, specifically Indian kings during the British Raj. The narrative follows the Maharaja of Pratibandapuram, Jilleshwara Khateendar Jung Jung Bahadur, who is told by astrologers that his death will come from a tiger. Determined to disprove the prophecy, he goes on a mass hunting spree, killing ninety-nine tigers, but meets his ironical end through a wooden toy tiger. For Odisha (BSE) board exams, this chapter is crucial for testing reading comprehension, character analysis, and satirical themes.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Satire and Irony
The story heavily uses irony, particularly situational irony, where the Maharaja kills ninety-nine real tigers to escape death, only to be fatally infected by a splinter from a poorly crafted wooden tiger.
Prophecy and Destiny
The central plot revolves around the chief astrologer's prediction that the Tiger King will die because of a tiger, driving the king's obsession and highlighting the futility of trying to escape one's destiny.
Environmental and Ecological Message
Through the Maharaja's reckless hunting, the chapter indirectly addresses the tragic depletion of wildlife and the mindless destruction of nature by humans for sport and power.
Flattery and Courtier Culture
Kalki ridicules the sycophantic nature of royal courtiers who agree with everything the king says and fear speaking the truth, risking their jobs and lives to please him.
The Maharaja's Transformation
To fulfill his vow of killing a hundred tigers, the Maharaja changes state laws, heavily taxes reluctant villagers, and even marries a princess from a state with a high tiger population.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Odisha (BSE) Class 12 English board examinations, supplementary chapters like The Tiger King typically carry around 5 to 8 marks. Questions usually include short-answer questions (SAQs) testing specific plot details, and long-answer questions (LAQs) focusing on character sketches, themes of irony, and critical appreciation of the satire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Maharaja known as the Tiger King?
How did the Tiger King finally meet his death?
What message does Kalki convey through this story?
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