"The Tale of the Melon City" is written by Vikram Seth.

Explanation:
Vikram Seth is an Indian author and poet known for his works in both fiction and poetry. He was born in Kolkata, India, in 1952. Seth has written numerous acclaimed works, including the novel "A Suitable Boy," which is considered one of the longest novels ever published in a single volume.

"The Tale of the Melon City" is a short play written by Vikram Seth. It was first published in 1984 in his collection of poems and plays titled "Mappings." The play is a satirical take on bureaucracy and the absurdity of power.

The play is set in the fictional city of Melon, where the mayor has died. According to tradition, the mayor's body is placed on a platform and paraded through the city, allowing citizens to pay their respects. However, due to a mix-up, the body of the mayor is accidentally switched with that of a melon seller.

The play unfolds with hilarious consequences as the melon seller's body is paraded through the city, and the citizens mistake it for the mayor's body. The absurdity of the situation is highlighted through witty dialogues and comedic situations.

Seth uses the play as a medium to critique bureaucracy and the blind adherence to tradition. He portrays the city officials as bumbling and incompetent, unable to differentiate between a melon seller and the mayor. The play serves as a satirical commentary on the absurdity of power and the often mindless rituals that accompany it.

In conclusion, "The Tale of the Melon City" is a satirical play written by Vikram Seth. It showcases his wit and humor while offering a critique of bureaucracy and the blind adherence to tradition.