The Tiger King - NCERT Book - Summary and Question Answers - Class 12 English Vistas

Summary:
"The Tiger King" is a short story written by Kalki Krishnamurthy. The story revolves around the life of a king named Maharaja of Pratibandapuram who has an obsession with hunting tigers. The king is known for his extravagant lifestyle and is constantly trying to break the record of the British colonial rulers by hunting more tigers.

The story begins with the birth of the king, who was named "Jilani Jung Jung Bahadur" by the astrologer. However, his mother insists on naming him "Dhyan Singh" as she believes it will bring good luck. The king grows up with a passion for hunting and tigers. He becomes the Maharaja of Pratibandapuram at a young age after his father's death.

As the king hunts tigers, he faces numerous challenges and obstacles. However, with the help of his ministers and advisors, he overcomes them all. He becomes a legendary figure in the hunting world and is known as the "Tiger King." He even receives a letter from the British government praising his hunting skills.

The king's obsession with hunting tigers leads him to marry multiple times, as his wives are unable to bear a child. Each time a wife fails to give birth to a child, she is sent away and a new wife is brought in. The king's quest for a male heir becomes a central theme in the story.

Eventually, the king's luck turns when he encounters a tiger named "Hundred and First." Despite his best efforts, the king fails to kill the tiger. He becomes a laughing stock among his subjects and loses his credibility as the Tiger King.

Question Answers:

1. What did the astrologer predict about the king's life?
- The astrologer predicted that the king will be killed by a tiger.

2. How did the king become the Maharaja of Pratibandapuram?
- The king became the Maharaja of Pratibandapuram after his father's death at a young age.

3. Why did the king marry multiple times?
- The king married multiple times because his wives were unable to bear a child and he desired a male heir.

4. Who was the Hundred and First tiger?
- The Hundred and First tiger was a tiger that the king failed to kill, leading to his loss of credibility as the Tiger King.

5. How did the king lose his credibility as the Tiger King?
- The king lost his credibility as the Tiger King when he failed to kill the Hundred and First tiger and became a laughing stock among his subjects.

In conclusion, "The Tiger King" is a captivating story that explores themes of obsession, power, and the consequences of one's actions. The story highlights the importance of humility and the dangers of unchecked ambition.