NCERT Solutions For Class 12 English
Vistas
Chapter 2 –
The Tiger King
(Kalki)
Long question answers
Q1. What do you learn about princes
and kings of native Indian states during the British rule from the story ‘The
Tiger King’?
Ans. The story ‘The Tiger King’ presents a fair glimpse of the
young princes and the Maharajas of native Indian states. Their long names with
descriptive titles and decorative honours was more a rule than an exception.
They considered recognition from the British government and its officers a
favour. They aped the Britishers in upbringing, education, manners and
behaviour. The Maharajas were autocrats and their words were the law. They
could be benevolent as well as stubborn. Their minions as well as ministers
feared and respected them. Sometimes their whims proved quite costly to the
state coffer. The Maharaja of Pratibandapuram spends three lakh of rupees on
gift of diamond rings to retain his kingdom. Marriages with princesses of other
states are based on considerations other than love or virtues of the girl. In
short, the Princes and Maharajas are portrayed as whimsical, stubborn and
excitable persons proud of their virtues and valour.
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 ?
Ans. The
moment the prince entered the world, astrologers foretold an inevitable demise
for the Tiger King, owing to the influence of the particular star governing his
birth. An extraordinary event followed swiftly thereafter. From the mouth of
the ten-day-old Jilani Jung Jung Bahadur came a startling utterance: "O
wise prophets!" This statement left everyone frozen in astonishment and
bewilderment. The infant conveyed that all beings must ultimately face
mortality, rendering their predictions unnecessary. Yet, he sought clarity on
the manner of that eventual demise.
The astrologers found themselves
confounded by the unexpected articulation of a mere ten-day-old infant, not
only speaking but also posing astute queries. It was a remarkable occurrence.
The head astrologer focused his gaze on the young prince, citing that the
prince was born during the hour of the Bull. Given the enmity between the Bull
and the Tiger, the prediction implied that death would be brought about by the
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?
Ans. Following
the astrologers' prophecy of death by a tiger, the Maharaja took decisive
action to protect himself by embarking on a tiger-hunting campaign. The forests
of Pratibandapuram state housed an ample population of tigers. The Maharaja's
elation knew no bounds when he successfully hunted down his initial tiger.
Summoning the state astrologer, he presented the slain beast for inspection.
Seeking clarification, the Maharaja
inquired about the implications of his actions. The astrologer cautioned that
while the Maharaja might eliminate ninety-nine tigers using the same approach,
extreme caution was essential when dealing with the hundredth tiger. Intrigued,
the Maharaja probed further, questioning the astrologer about the outcome if
the hundredth tiger met the same fate.
In response, the state astrologer
conveyed that should the hundredth tiger also be slain, he would renounce his
practice of astrology entirely, destroying all his astrological books by
setting them ablaze. Additionally, he declared intentions to discard his tuft,
trim his hair short, and transition into the profession of an insurance agent.
Q4. What problems did the Maharaja
face in pursuit of his mission ? How did he resolve them ?
Ans. The Maharaja embarked on his singular mission of slaying one
hundred tigers with unwavering dedication, channeling all his energy and focus
into this pursuit. He pledged that only after achieving this goal would he
attend to any other matters. Initially, the king appeared resolute in realizing
his ambition. However, obstacles and challenges soon arose. Instances occurred
where his shots missed their target, and he found himself in peril as the tiger
pounced on him, forcing him to confront the wild beast using only his bare
hands. Fortunately, owing to his indomitable courage, the Maharaja emerged
victorious each time.
At one juncture, he faced the
jeopardy of losing his throne due to his refusal to allow a high-ranking
British officer to hunt a tiger in the Pratibandapuram forest. Rejecting the
officer's request to be photographed with a gun beside a tiger slain by the Maharaja,
the king had to relinquish a valuable gift to assuage the officer's wounded
pride and safeguard his kingdom.
Q5. How does the author satirise the
hunting instincts of the persons in authority ?
Ans. The narrative illustrates the societal perception of big
game hunting as a royal pursuit. The Maharaja of Pratibandapuram took this
fervor to an extreme by prohibiting tiger hunting in his realm for all but
himself. His obsession with hunting tigers consumed his thoughts during the day
and filled his dreams at night. All state affairs were postponed as he
dedicated himself solely to this pursuit, transforming what was once a pastime
into the sole purpose of his existence. His marriage was even influenced by his
passion for tigers; he selected a princess from a kingdom abundant in tigers
and was willing to undertake any risks for the sake of the hunt.
British officers, too, developed a
penchant for this aristocratic activity, perhaps regarding it as a symbol of
status. Their interest lay in publicizing their hunts, desiring photographs
posing with a firearm alongside the slain tiger. Notably, various other hunts
were prevalent, encompassing boar, mouse, and mosquito hunts, each differing in
risk and resistance from their targets. This descending order of peril leads to
a sense of amusement at the whims and eccentricities of these hunters.
Consequently, the story sheds light on the inclination of individuals in
positions of power towards the pursuit of hunting wild animals.
Q6. What will the Maharaja do to
find the required number of tigers to kill?
Ans. In a span of ten years, the Maharaja successfully hunted down
seventy tigers, eventually leading to the extinction of the tiger population
within the forests of Pratibandapuram. On one occasion, the Maharaja summoned
the dewan and inquired if he was aware of the remaining thirty tigers awaiting
his gun. The dewan visibly trembled with apprehension. However, the Maharaja
revealed that he had made the decision to marry and instructed the dewan to
compile data on tiger populations across various native states. The directive
was to explore the possibility of finding a suitable bride within a royal
family from a state boasting a significant tiger population. This plan was set
in motion, and the dewan identified a suitable girl from a state abundant in
tigers. Each time the Maharaja visited his father-in-law, he successfully
hunted down five or six tigers, fulfilling the requisite count. Eventually, he
shot down a total of ninety-nine tigers.
Q7. How will the Maharaja prepare
himself for the hundredth tiger which was supposed to decide his fate?
Ans. The Maharaja's agitation escalated to the pinnacle of
anticipation as only a solitary tiger remained to be hunted. Thoughts of this
hundredth tiger consumed his days and invaded his nightly dreams. However, even
in his father-in-law's domain, the tiger population had dwindled, rendering the
search for tigers futile. The Maharaja's quest to slay this final beast became
an unattainable pursuit as tigers seemingly vanished altogether. The prospect
of eliminating this last tiger became crucial, as per the cautionary words of
the deceased chief astrologer, warning the Maharaja to beware of the hundredth
tiger. This realization plunged the Maharaja into a state of despondency.
A glimmer of hope emerged when
reports surfaced of frequent sheep disappearances from a village situated on a
hillside within the Maharaja's own realm, indicating the presence of a tiger.
Hastily informed by the villagers, the Maharaja swiftly declared a three-year
tax exemption for the affected village and embarked on the hunt immediately.
Yet, the elusive tiger proved difficult to trace, compelling the Maharaja to
camp in the forest and await the tiger's appearance.
Q8. What will now happen to the
astrologer? Do you think the prophecy was indisputably disproved?
Ans. I To safeguard himself, the dewan
arranged for an aged tiger to be transported from the People's Park in Madras,
keeping it concealed within his residence. Under the veil of midnight, aided by
his elderly wife, he maneuvered the tiger into a car and situated it on the
seat. Taking charge of the vehicle himself, he drove directly to the forest
where the Maharaja was engaged in his hunt. There, the dewan offloaded the
beast from the car and thrust it to the ground. The following day, the same
elderly tiger found its way into the presence of the Maharaja. Delighted, the
Maharaja carefully aimed at the creature, causing it to collapse into a
crumpled heap. The Maharaja exulted, believing he had successfully slain the
hundredth tiger.
Subsequently, the hunting party
discovered that the old tiger had not perished but had merely lost
consciousness upon hearing the gunshot. Fearing repercussions and job loss if
the Maharaja learned the truth, one of the hunters swiftly terminated the tiger's
life with another shot. The deceased tiger was paraded through the town in
procession and laid to rest, a tomb erected as a commemoration.
The prophecy remained unchallenged
as the king met his demise due to an infection from a splinter of a wooden tiger.
The astrologer, having passed away, escaped both punishment and recognition for
his prophecy.
Q9. 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?
Ans. At its surface, ‘The Tiger King’ appears to be a
straightforward narrative chronicling the life and reign of a royal prince
turned king. The inclusion of prophecies at his birth concerning the nature of
his demise adds an intriguing layer of surprise and suspense to the tale.
However, delving deeper, the story
unveils itself as a satirical commentary on the arrogance inherent in those
wielding authority. It often manifests that individuals in positions of power
harbor excessive self-importance. This narrative features two such
archetypes—the Tiger King and the British officer. Employing dramatic irony and
humor, the author highlights their flaws and vulnerabilities. The words uttered
by these characters carry an underlying significance, unknowingly foretelling
their fates. The Tiger King's obstinance leads him to pursue the hunting of a
hundred tigers, aiming to refute the astrologer's prophecy, ultimately
succumbing to a wooden tiger due to his inflexibility.
Similarly, the high-ranking British
officer exhibits a comparable vanity. His interest lies more in capturing a
photograph beside the tiger's carcass than in the hunt itself. When the Tiger
King declines a tiger-hunting excursion, offering alternative pursuits such as
boar, mouse, or mosquito hunts, the refusal costs him a substantial sum of
three lakh rupees. Despite this, the British officer's ego finds satisfaction
when his wife appreciates the diamond rings sent by the Maharaja.
Q10. What is the author’s indirect
comment on subjecting innocent animals to the willfulness of human beings?
Ans. For ages, innocent animals have been at the mercy of human
whims. Humans have hunted animals for pleasure, sustenance, or their body
parts. The author refrains from directly addressing this in the story.
Individuals often resort to peculiar reasoning to justify their unlawful and
cruel deeds. The Maharaja, for instance, cites an ancient adage—"You may
kill even a cow in self-defense"—to rationalize his lack of objection
toward killing tigers in self-defense. This not only exposes human callousness
toward wildlife but also highlights their disregard for maintaining ecological
equilibrium.
The extinction of the tiger species
in both the Pratibandapuram state and the domain ruled by the Maharaja’s
father-in-law vividly illustrates the consequences of human cruelty toward wild
animals. To fulfill the king's desire to hunt one hundred tigers, an aged tiger
had to be procured from the People’s Park in Madras, showcasing the lengths to
which humans go to satisfy their desires, despite the dire implications for
wildlife.
Q11. 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?
Ans. A minion, within an organization, refers to an insignificant
individual obliged to follow commands. The Maharaja possesses numerous minions
or servants, most of whom harbor fear and demonstrate unwavering obedience
toward him. They refrain from defying or contradicting his directives, as the
Maharaja’s displeasure equates to potential job loss or even risking their
lives. Only a handful among them genuinely hold sincere sentiments toward him.
The chief astrologer stands out as one such individual, willing to renounce his
astrological books, cut off his tuft, and trim his hair short if his prediction
turns false. Others endeavor to maintain the Maharaja's favor, including the
dewan.
However, many officers face
dismissal when confronted with the Maharaja’s escalating fury and obstinacy.
During the hunt for the hundredth tiger, the king's bullet fails to hit its
target, causing the tiger to collapse from shock, appearing as a crumpled heap.
While the hunters grasp the reality, they opt not to disclose the truth to the
king, fearing potential job loss.
In contemporary political
structures, subordinates often serve their superior bosses akin to mute
observers, only perceiving what aligns with their masters' desires. Their
self-interests and apprehension of elimination serve as driving forces,
fostering their unwavering allegiance as faithful servants.
Q12. 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?
Ans. The Maharaja was determined to eliminate the hundredth tiger,
believing it would rid him of all fears. However, the scarcity of tigers made
their location impossible. When alerted by villagers about tiger activities
near a hillside, he ventured into the forest and awaited its appearance.
Curiously, the elusive tiger seemed to purposely evade the Maharaja’s pursuit.
To facilitate this hunt, the astute
and experienced dewan arranged for an aged tiger from the People’s Park in
Madras to be brought and released into the forest near the Maharaja’s
encampment under cover of night. The following morning, this same tiger
appeared before the Maharaja, exhibiting a docile demeanor. The Maharaja took
precise aim at the creature, but in actuality, the bullet had missed its mark.
The elderly tiger had merely fainted in reaction to the shock of the passing
bullet.
Tragically, the Tiger King met his
demise due to an infection caused by a minuscule splinter from a wooden tiger.
The wound worsened, developing into a pus-filled sore. Although a surgical
procedure was attempted on his arm, he ultimately succumbed. The author
reflects that the hundredth tiger achieved its ultimate vengeance upon the
Tiger King.
Q13.What devices does the author use
to make the story ‘The Tiger King’ humorous and interesting?
Ans. The author employs an array of literary devices to infuse both
humor and intrigue into the narrative. He instills elements of astonishment and
amusement, initially by orchestrating the unlikely event of a ten-day-old
infant articulating intelligent questions. While the astrologers' predictions
suggest the inevitability of death, the Tiger King, characterized by unwavering
bravery, repeatedly confronts the tiger, the agent of his foretold demise,
emerging victorious on each occasion.
The portrayal of the education and
upbringing of royal heirs in Indian states, along with their fascination for
'English,' evokes amusement. Additionally, the depiction of various
hunts—ranging from tiger-hunts to seemingly comical pursuits like boar, mouse,
and mosquito hunts—elicits laughter, revealing the pastimes of those in
authority at the expense of innocent animals. The latter two hunts, in
particular, appear whimsical and ludicrous.The Maharaja’s contemplation of
marrying solely for the sake of a tiger adds an amusing element to the
narrative. Furthermore, the contrasting behaviors of the high-ranking British
officer and those of the Maharaja and his dewan at different junctures in the
story serve as sources of laughter, sustaining the reader's engagement with the
plot.
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