Worksheet Solutions: The Tiger King | English Class 12 PDF Download

Fill in the Blanks

Q1: At the age of __________, the Maharaja was crowned king.
Ans: 20
At the age of 20, the Maharaja was crowned king, marking the beginning of his reign.

Q2: The Maharaja's death prediction involved being killed by a __________.
Ans: tiger
The Maharaja's death prediction involved being killed by a tiger, a prophecy that haunted him throughout his life.

Q3: The Maharaja sent __________ diamond rings to the officer's wife.
Ans: 50
The Maharaja sent 50 diamond rings to the officer's wife, a grand gesture that showcased his wealth and generosity.

Q4: The Maharaja placed an old tiger in the forest near Pratibandapuram with the help of the __________.
Ans: Dewan
The Maharaja placed an old tiger in the forest near Pratibandapuram with the help of the Dewan, strategically orchestrating events related to the prophecy.

Q5: The infection caused by the wooden tiger eventually led to the Maharaja's __________.
Ans: death
The infection caused by the wooden tiger eventually led to the Maharaja's death, fulfilling the ominous prediction.

Q6: The Maharaja was told he would be killed by the __________.
Ans: 100th tiger
The Maharaja was told he would be killed by the 100th tiger, creating a sense of impending doom throughout his life.

Q7: The Maharaja killed __________ tigers during his lifetime.
Ans: 99
The Maharaja killed 99 tigers during his lifetime, driven by the belief that he could cheat fate by outsmarting the prophecy.

Q8: The officer's wife kept all the rings, costing __________ rupees.
Ans: 3 lakh
The officer's wife kept all the rings, costing 3 lakh rupees, treasuring the valuable gifts given by the Maharaja.

Q9: The prediction about the tiger's attack on the Maharaja was made when he was just __________ days old.
Ans: 10
The prediction about the tiger's attack on the Maharaja was made when he was just 10 days old, setting the stage for his lifelong fear.

Q10: To safeguard himself, the Maharaja killed __________ tiger(s) after hearing the prediction.
Ans: 99
To safeguard himself, the Maharaja killed 99 tigers after hearing the prediction, attempting to break the prophecy and avoid his foretold fate.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: The Maharaja's obsession with hunting tigers led to his downfall.
Reason: The astrologers' prediction haunted him, making him believe he needed to kill 100 tigers to stay alive.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is NOT the correct explanation for Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is true because the Maharaja's relentless pursuit of hunting tigers, driven by the astrologers' prediction, ultimately led to his downfall. The reason is the correct explanation because the astrologers' prediction deeply influenced the Maharaja's actions, convincing him that killing 100 tigers would protect him from the fate they foresaw.

Q2: Assertion: The Maharaja sent 50 diamond rings to the British officer's wife.
Reason: The officer's wife demanded the rings as compensation for not allowing her husband to hunt tigers.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is NOT the correct explanation for Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (b)

The assertion is true; the Maharaja did send 50 diamond rings to the officer's wife. However, the reason is not the correct explanation. The rings were not sent as compensation; they were sent in an attempt to please the officer's wife after her husband's request to hunt tigers was declined.

Q3: Assertion: The Maharaja decided to marry a girl from a royal state with more tigers.
Reason: He believed that marrying into a family with a tiger-rich environment would protect him from the astrologers' prediction.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is NOT the correct explanation for Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is true; the Maharaja decided to marry into a family with more tigers, hoping it would protect him from the astrologers' prediction. The reason is the correct explanation because his belief that being in a tiger-rich environment would safeguard him from the prediction drove this decision.

Q4: Assertion: The Maharaja's son's wooden tiger caused his death.
Reason: The wooden tiger was cursed, leading to a fatal infection when it pierced the Maharaja's hand.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is NOT the correct explanation for Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (c)

The assertion is true; the Maharaja's death was caused by an infection from the wooden tiger's sliver. However, the reason is false; there is no mention of the wooden tiger being cursed. The infection occurred due to a regular wound becoming septic.

Q5: Assertion: The Maharaja's decision to kill 100 tigers was irrational and based on superstition.
Reason: The astrologers' prediction had a strong influence on the Maharaja's actions, leading him to hunt tigers.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is NOT the correct explanation for Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is true because the Maharaja's decision to kill 100 tigers was indeed based on superstition and irrational fear. The reason is the correct explanation because the astrologers' prediction strongly influenced the Maharaja, making him believe he had to kill 100 tigers to avoid his predicted fate.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: What did the astrologers predict about the Maharaja's death?
Ans: He would be killed by a tiger.

Q2: What was the officer's wish that was declined by the Maharaja?
Ans: To hunt tigers in the state.

Q3: How did the Maharaja try to please the officer's wife after refusing her husband's wish?
Ans: He sent 50 diamond rings.

Q4: Why did the Maharaja place an old tiger in the forest?
Ans: To fake killing it and fulfill the prophecy.

Q5: What caused the Maharaja's death?
Ans: Infection from a sliver of the wooden tiger.

Q6: What did the Maharaja buy from the toyshop on his son's birthday?
Ans: A poorly carved wooden tiger.

Q7: How many tigers did the Maharaja kill in his lifetime?
Ans: 99

Q8: What did the Maharaja do when the prediction about his death reached his ears?
Ans: He started killing tigers to protect himself.

Q9: Why did the officer's wife keep all the diamond rings sent by the Maharaja?
Ans: She wanted to keep all the rings for herself.

Q10: How did the Maharaja react when a sliver of the wooden tiger pierced his hand?
Ans: He pulled it out with his left hand and continued playing with his son.

 Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the astrologer's prediction about the Maharaja's death and how it influenced his actions.
Ans: The astrologer predicted that the Maharaja would be killed by a tiger. This prophecy haunted him, and to safeguard himself, he started killing tigers. Despite killing 99 tigers, the fear of the 100th tiger led him to aggressive hunting sprees, ultimately causing his downfall.

Q2: Describe the incident involving the officer's wife and the diamond rings sent by the Maharaja.
Ans: The Maharaja, unable to fulfill the officer's wish to hunt tigers, sent 50 diamond rings to please the officer's wife. However, she kept all the rings worth 3 lakh rupees for herself, which secured the state's safety.

Q3: Explain how the Maharaja's obsession with killing tigers led to his demise.
Ans: The Maharaja's obsession with killing tigers to prove the astrologer's prediction wrong led him to kill 99 tigers. In an unfortunate incident, a sliver from a wooden tiger pierced his hand, causing an infection that spread rapidly, leading to his death.

Q4: What drastic measures did the Maharaja take to protect himself from the 100th tiger?
Ans: The Maharaja, upon hearing the prediction about his death by a tiger, started killing tigers aggressively. He killed 99 tigers and took extreme measures, such as placing an old tiger in the forest to fake its killing, to protect himself from the 100th tiger.

Q5: Discuss the officer's wife's role in the story and how her actions impacted the Maharaja.
Ans: The officer's wife's acceptance of the diamond rings sent by the Maharaja secured the state's safety. However, her greed in keeping all the rings for herself indirectly led to the Maharaja's downfall, as it intensified his obsession with killing tigers.

Q6: Explain the significance of the poorly carved wooden tiger in the story.
Ans: The poorly carved wooden tiger, bought by the Maharaja as a present for his son, had a sharp sliver that pierced his hand. This incident led to an infection that spread, causing the Maharaja's death. The wooden tiger symbolizes the ultimate revenge of the 100th tiger.

Q7: Describe the Maharaja's reaction when he couldn't find any tigers in Pratibandapuram.
Ans: When the Maharaja couldn't find any tigers in Pratibandapuram, he decided to marry a girl from a royal state with more tigers. He continued his obsession with killing tigers by hunting 5-6 tigers whenever he visited his in-laws.

Q8: Explain how the Dewan attempted to protect the Maharaja from the 100th tiger.
Ans: The Dewan, upon learning of the Maharaja's danger, placed an old tiger in the forest near Pratibandapuram. The Maharaja, believing it to be the 100th tiger, shot at it. Although the bullet missed, the tiger collapsed out of fear. The staff then killed the tiger, and it was presented in a grand procession, ensuring the Maharaja's safety.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Examine the role of the astrologer's prediction in shaping the Maharaja's life choices and decisions.
Ans: The astrologer's prediction about the Maharaja's death by a tiger played a significant role in shaping his life choices and decisions.

• The prediction had a profound impact on the Maharaja, as it instilled a deep fear within him. In order to defy the prediction and protect himself, he became obsessed with hunting tigers. He believed that by eliminating all tigers, he could ensure his own safety, thus altering his destiny.
• This obsession led the Maharaja to take extreme measures in his pursuit of tigers. He aggressively hunted them and engaged in risky encounters, often risking his life. The fear of the 100th tiger, which was believed to be the one that would kill him, intensified his efforts. He became consumed by the idea of proving the astrologer wrong and defying fate.
• Furthermore, the Maharaja resorted to faking tiger kills in order to boost his confidence and maintain his image as a fearless hunter. He would arrange for other animals to be killed and presented as tigers, deceiving others and himself. This deception and manipulation stemmed from his desperation to control his own destiny.
• Ultimately, the astrologer's prediction became a self-fulfilling prophecy. The Maharaja's relentless pursuit of tigers and his obsession with defying fate led to his downfall. Despite his efforts, he could not escape his destined encounter with the 100th tiger, which resulted in his death. This highlights the futility of trying to alter fate and the consequences of allowing predictions to shape one's life choices and decisions.

Q2: Analyze the consequences of the officer's wife's actions on the Maharaja and the state.
Ans: The officer's wife's actions regarding the diamond rings sent by the Maharaja had significant consequences for both him and the state.

• The officer's wife's decision to keep all the diamond rings for herself intensified the Maharaja's obsession with hunting tigers. Her greed and selfishness indirectly contributed to the Maharaja's downfall. The rings were intended as a gesture of goodwill and an attempt to secure the loyalty of the officer and his men. However, the officer's wife's actions undermined this intention and heightened the Maharaja's need to prove himself.
• The Maharaja's obsession with killing tigers grew stronger as a result of the officer's wife's actions. He became more determined to demonstrate his power and authority, especially in light of the perceived betrayal. This led to reckless hunting sprees and a disregard for the safety of himself and others.
• Furthermore, the officer's wife's actions had consequences for the state as well. The deteriorating relationship between the Maharaja and the officer, fueled by the incident, created tensions within the state. This affected the overall stability and governance, as trust and loyalty were compromised.
• The irony of the situation lies in the fact that the officer's wife's actions, intended to secure the state, inadvertently contributed to the Maharaja's demise. Her greed and betrayal heightened his obsession with hunting tigers, ultimately leading to his downfall. This highlights the interconnectedness of individual actions and their impact on both personal and political realms.

Q3: Evaluate the Maharaja's actions and decisions in the context of his obsession with killing tigers.
Ans: The Maharaja's obsession with killing tigers had a profound impact on his actions and decisions.

• The Maharaja's aggressive pursuit of tiger hunting, driven by his obsession, led to a series of reckless actions and decisions. He became consumed by the need to prove the astrologer's prediction wrong and defy fate. This obsession overshadowed all other aspects of his life, including personal relationships and state affairs.
• The Maharaja engaged in risky hunting sprees, often disregarding his own safety and that of others. His determination to eliminate all tigers became an all-consuming mission, resulting in a neglect of his responsibilities as a ruler. His obsession took priority over governance and the well-being of his subjects.
• In his desperation to prove himself, the Maharaja resorted to faking tiger kills. This deceitful behavior further highlighted the destructive nature of his obsession. He was willing to manipulate the truth and deceive others in order to maintain his image as a fearless hunter.
• The tragic consequences of the Maharaja's obsession with killing tigers serve as a cautionary tale. His actions and decisions, driven by this obsession, led to his downfall and the destabilization of the state. This highlights the futility of trying to alter fate and the destructive power of obsessions when they consume one's life and overshadow all other priorities.

Q4: Discuss the symbolism of the wooden tiger in the story and its role in the Maharaja's fate.
Ans: The wooden tiger serves as a significant symbol in the story, representing the Maharaja's destiny and the revenge of the 100th tiger.

• The wooden tiger symbolizes the inevitability of the Maharaja's fate. It represents the prediction made by the astrologer and the ultimate encounter with the 100th tiger, which would lead to his death. The wooden tiger acts as a physical manifestation of this prophecy, serving as a constant reminder of the Maharaja's impending doom.
• Furthermore, the wooden tiger plays a crucial role in sealing the Maharaja's fate. When a sliver from the wooden tiger pierces his finger, it causes an infection that ultimately leads to his death. This incident highlights the poetic justice of the wooden tiger, as it becomes the instrument of the 100th tiger's revenge.
• The wooden tiger also serves to bring the story full circle. It is a recurring motif throughout the narrative, representing the Maharaja's obsession with hunting tigers. The wooden tiger's role in the Maharaja's downfall emphasizes the inescapable nature of fate and the consequences of one's actions.
• The symbolism of the wooden tiger in the story emphasizes the interconnectedness of fate, obsession, and revenge. It represents the Maharaja's destiny and serves as a reminder of the consequences of his actions. Ultimately, the wooden tiger becomes the instrument of the 100th tiger's revenge, sealing the Maharaja's fate and bringing the story to a tragic conclusion.

Passage Based Questions

1. Read the given extract and answer the following questions

“The Maharaja’s anxiety reached a fever pitch when there remained just one tiger to achieve his tally of a hundred. He had this one thought during the day and the same dream at night. By this time the tiger farms had run dry even in his father-in-law’s kingdom. It became impossible to locate tigers anywhere. Yet only one more was needed. If he could kill just that one single beast, the Maharaja would have no fears left. He could give up tiger hunting altogether. But he had to be extremely careful with that last tiger.”

Q1: What was the Maharaja’s greatest concern after killing ninety-nine tigers?
A. Finding the hundredth tiger
B. Organizing a grand celebration
C. Expanding his kingdom
D. Building a new palace
Ans: A. Finding the hundredth tiger
The Maharaja was anxious because he needed to kill one more tiger to reach his goal of killing a hundred tigers.

Q2: Why was the Maharaja obsessed with killing the hundredth tiger?
Ans: The Maharaja was obsessed with killing the hundredth tiger because he believed that doing so would ensure his safety and fulfill the prophecy told by the astrologer. He thought that once he killed the final tiger, he would no longer have any fears and could give up tiger hunting.

Q3: Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket.
The Maharaja’s anxiety reached a ____________(low / fever) pitch when only one tiger remained to be killed.
Ans: fever

Q4: How did the depletion of tiger populations affect the Maharaja's mission?
Ans: The depletion of tiger populations in his kingdom and even in his father-in-law’s kingdom made it increasingly difficult for the Maharaja to find the last tiger he needed to kill. This scarcity added to his anxiety and made him desperate to complete his mission.

2. Read the given extract and answer the following questions

“At midnight when the town slept in peace, the dewan and his aged wife dragged the tiger to the car and shoved it into the seat. The dewan himself drove the car straight to the forest where the Maharaja was hunting. When they reached the forest, the tiger launched its satyagraha and refused to get out of the car. The dewan was thoroughly exhausted in his efforts to haul the beast out of the car and push it down to the ground. On the following day, the same old tiger wandered into the Maharaja’s presence and stood as if in humble supplication.”

Q1: What did the dewan and his wife do at midnight?
A. Set a trap for the tiger
B. Drove a tiger to the forest
C. Prepared a feast for the Maharaja
D. Built a new palace
Ans: B. Drove a tiger to the forest
 The dewan and his wife secretly transported a tiger to the forest where the Maharaja was hunting.

Q2: How did the tiger behave when it was brought to the forest?
Ans: The tiger refused to get out of the car and launched a kind of satyagraha, resisting the dewan’s efforts to move it. The tiger later wandered into the Maharaja’s presence as if in humble submission, making it easy for the Maharaja to shoot it.

Q3: Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket.
The tiger______________ (launched / avoided) its satyagraha and refused to get out of the car when it was brought to the forest.
Ans: launched

Q4: What was the dewan’s motivation for bringing the tiger to the forest?
Ans: The dewan brought the tiger to the forest because he was worried about the Maharaja’s growing anxiety and the potential consequences if the Maharaja didn’t find the hundredth tiger soon. The dewan feared that the Maharaja’s frustration could lead to catastrophic results, so he took matters into his own hands to ensure the Maharaja could complete his mission.

3. Read the given extract and answer the following questions

“The next day, infection flared in the Maharaja’s right hand. In four days, it developed into a suppurating sore which spread all over the arm. Three famous surgeons were brought in from Madras. After holding a consultation they decided to operate. The operation took place. The three surgeons who performed it came out of the theatre and announced, ‘The operation was successful. The Maharaja is dead.’ In this manner, the hundredth tiger took its final revenge upon the Tiger King.”

Q1:  What caused the Maharaja’s death after his operation?
A. The hundredth tiger’s attack
B. An infection in his hand
C. Poisoned food
D. A fall from his horse
Ans: B. An infection in his hand
The Maharaja died from an infection that developed in his hand after being pierced by a wooden sliver.

Q2: How did the hundredth tiger take its final revenge on the Maharaja?
Ans: The hundredth tiger took its final revenge on the Maharaja indirectly. After the Maharaja believed he had successfully killed the tiger, he later suffered a fatal infection from a wooden sliver that pierced his hand while playing with a wooden tiger. This infection ultimately led to his death, fulfilling the prophecy that the hundredth tiger would be the cause of his demise.

Q3: Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket.
The infection in the Maharaja’s hand developed into a_________________ (suppurating / healing) sore that spread all over his arm.
Ans: suppurating

Q4: What was ironic about the way the Maharaja died?
Ans: The irony in the Maharaja’s death lies in the fact that, despite his obsessive efforts to avoid being killed by the hundredth tiger, he was ultimately killed by something as trivial as a wooden sliver. The wooden tiger, a toy, became the instrument of his death, making his intense fear of the real tigers somewhat absurd and highlighting the futility of his efforts to escape fate.