Challenge between Maharaja and Astrologer
The challenge between the Maharaja and the Astrologer in the story "The Tiger King" is a pivotal moment that sets the course of events in motion. It showcases the power dynamics between the two characters and highlights the theme of fate and destiny.

The Prediction
The Astrologer predicts that the Maharaja will die at the hands of a tiger. This prediction terrifies the Maharaja, who becomes obsessed with avoiding his fate at all costs.

The Maharaja's Response
The Maharaja takes extreme measures to prevent the prophecy from coming true. He orders the killing of all tigers in his kingdom and even goes to the extent of marrying off his daughters to a tiger in hopes of transferring his fate to the tiger.

The Climactic Challenge
In a final attempt to defy fate, the Maharaja challenges the Astrologer to prove his prediction wrong. The Maharaja locks himself in a cage with a tiger, believing that if he survives the night, the prophecy will be proven false.

The Outcome
Tragically, the Maharaja is killed by the tiger, thus fulfilling the Astrologer's prediction. This event leads to the downfall of the Maharaja's kingdom and serves as a cautionary tale about the futility of trying to escape one's destiny.
The challenge between the Maharaja and the Astrologer serves as a turning point in the story, emphasizing the theme of fate and the consequences of trying to manipulate or escape it. It highlights the futility of human efforts to control their destiny and the inevitability of fate.