The Tiger King by Kalki

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Questions and Answers

What is the tragic consequence of the Maharaja's tiger hunts, and how does it impact the ecosystem of Pratibandapuram?

The tiger population becomes extinct in the forests of Pratibandapuram, leading to an ecological imbalance.

What is the Maharaja's obsession, and how does it relate to his sense of identity and power?

The Maharaja's obsession is to kill a total of 100 tigers, and it is linked to his sense of identity as a 'Tiger King' and his assertion of power over the natural world.

What is the significance of the Maharaja's statement, 'I have decided to get married'?

The Maharaja's statement signals a shift in his focus from tiger hunting to finding a human partner, highlighting his desire to establish a connection with another living being.

How does the dewan's response to the Maharaja's statement reflect his understanding of the monarch's motivations?

The dewan's response, which includes nonsensical statements and attempts to deflect the Maharaja's attention, shows that he is intimidated by the Maharaja and tries to avoid confrontation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying message of the story regarding the treatment of wildlife and the natural world?

The story highlights the consequences of unchecked human exploitation of wildlife, leading to the extinction of a species and the disruption of the ecological balance. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Maharaja's character embody the concept of human-wildlife conflict?

The Maharaja's actions, driven by his desire for power and control, exemplify the human-wildlife conflict, where human interests clash with the well-being of wildlife and the natural environment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Maharaja's ancestors being 'married to the sword'?

The phrase suggests that the Maharaja's ancestors were warriors who valued power and strength, and this legacy has shaped the Maharaja's own values and actions. Signup and view all the answers

How does the story engage with the theme of ecological balance and the interconnectedness of species?

The narrative illustrates the consequences of disrupting the ecological balance, highlighting the importance of preserving the delicate relationships between species and their environments. Signup and view all the answers

What is the symbolic significance of the tiger in the story, and how does it relate to the themes of power and conservation?

The tiger represents power, strength, and the natural world, while the Maharaja's desire to kill it symbolizes his desire for control and dominance over the natural world. Signup and view all the answers

How does the story critique the notion of human exceptionalism and the idea that humans are superior to other species?

The narrative highlights the consequences of human actions that prioritize human interests over the well-being of other species, challenging the idea of human exceptionalism and promoting a more nuanced understanding of human relationships with the natural world. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Tiger King

The story revolves around the Maharaja of Pratibandapuram, also known as the Tiger King.
The Tiger King is dead, and the story will reveal the circumstances of his death.

The Prophecy

Astrologers had foretold that the Tiger King would die, and the prophecy was made at the time of his birth.
The prophecy stated that the Tiger King would be the warrior of warriors, hero of heroes, and champion of champions.

The Tiger Hunt

The Tiger King went on a hunt to find a tiger that was believed to be terrorizing a village.
The villagers were given a three-year exemption from taxes, and the Maharaja was determined to find the tiger.
The Maharaja's officers lost their jobs due to his increasing fury and obstinacy.
The dewan, the Maharaja's advisor, tried to calm him down but was unsuccessful.

The Dewan's Plan

The dewan brought a tiger from the People's Park in Madras and kept it hidden in his house.
He and his wife drove the tiger to the forest and released it, but the tiger refused to get out of the car.
The Maharaja eventually found the tiger and killed it, claiming it was his hundredth kill.

The Tiger King's Legacy

The Maharaja continued to hunt tigers and successfully killed seventy more within ten years.
The tiger population became extinct in the forests of Pratibandapuram, and the Maharaja was left with no more tigers to hunt.

The Maharaja's Marriage

The Maharaja decided to get married and called for the dewan to discuss the matter.
The dewan was confused and joked about the Maharaja marrying him or the gun, but the Maharaja clarified that he wanted to marry a human girl.
The Maharaja asked the dewan to draw up statistics of tiger populations in the different native states.

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Description

This quiz is based on 'The Tiger King', a story by Kalki. It explores the attitude of human beings towards wild animals, with a focus on the hero of the story, the Maharaja of Pratibandapuram.