Background:
The story "The Tale of Melon City" from the NCERT textbook (Snapshots) Chapter 8 revolves around a comical incident where a melon becomes the ruler of a state due to a series of misunderstandings and a satirical commentary on the absurdity of bureaucracy.

Introduction:
In the story, a nobleman accidentally drops a melon from his balcony, which falls on the head of the chief of the municipal council. The council members mistakenly interpret this event as a sign of divine intervention and decide to crown the melon as the ruler of the state.

Series of misunderstandings:
1. Misinterpretation of the divine intervention: The council members, fearing the consequences of offending the gods, perceive the melon falling on the chief's head as a divine sign. They mistakenly believe that the melon should be crowned as the ruler, assuming it to be a divine message.

2. Reluctant acceptance by the council: Initially, the council members are hesitant to accept the idea of a melon becoming the ruler. However, they eventually succumb to the pressure and make the decision to crown the melon, fearing the wrath of the gods if they do not comply.

3. Public acceptance and celebration: The news of the melon becoming the ruler spreads throughout the state, and the people, unaware of the absurdity, start celebrating and accepting the melon as their ruler. They believe that the melon's rule will bring prosperity and security to their lives.

4. Bureaucratic rituals: The council members, in an attempt to create a semblance of governance, conduct elaborate bureaucratic rituals to maintain the illusion of a functioning state. They hold meetings, issue orders, and make decisions, all in the name of the melon. The absurdity of bureaucracy is satirically highlighted as the melon does not possess any capabilities to govern.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the ruler of the state in "The Tale of Melon City" became a melon due to a series of misunderstandings and the council members' fear of divine intervention. The story serves as a satirical commentary on bureaucracy and the absurdity of blindly following rituals without questioning their purpose.

The ministers send out messenger to declare that the man to pass the city gate would chose the ruler of their state. An idiot happened to pass the gate. When he asked to decide who was to be the king, he replied, "A melon" This was his standard answer to all questions. The minister declared that Melon will be their new ruler.