RBSE Solutions Class 12 English Panorama Chapter 1 The Tiger King

Comprehension Questions

A. Choose the correct alternative:

 

Question 1. The Maharaja was determined to kill them.......
(a) hundredth lion
(b) hundredth tiger
(c) hundredth elephant
(d) hundredth leopard
Answer: (b) hundredth tiger
In simple words: The king wanted to kill the hundredth tiger to prove the astrologers wrong about his death. He believed that if he killed this tiger, he would live forever.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the core conflict of the story – the king's fate is tied to the hundredth tiger.

 

Question 2. The royal astrologer's prediction was that the Tiger King would be killed by a .......
Answer: A tiger
In simple words: The royal astrologer predicted that the King would be killed by a tiger, making this the central prophecy of the story. This prediction shaped the King's life choices.

🎯 Exam Tip: Even if options are missing, the context of the story clearly states the cause of the King's fated death.

 

Question 3. The Dewan had brought the hundredth tiger from the .......
(a) Gir forest
(b) Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary
(c) People's Park in Madras
(d) National Park Mumbai
Answer: (c) People's Park in Madras
In simple words: The Dewan brought the hundredth tiger from a park in Madras because no wild tigers were left. He did this secretly to help the king.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note the details about where the tiger came from; it highlights the scarcity of tigers in the king's own state.

 

Question 4. The reason for the death of the Maharaja was .......
(a) the sliver of a golden toy tiger
(b) the sliver of a wooden toy tiger
(c) the sliver of a silver toy tiger
(d) nails of a real tiger
Answer: (b) the sliver of a wooden toy tiger
In simple words: The Maharaja died because a small, sharp piece of wood from a toy tiger pricked his hand. This injury led to an infection that killed him.

🎯 Exam Tip: This ironic twist is key to the story's message; remember that it was a toy tiger, not a real one, that caused his death.

 

Question 5. The hundredth tiger was actually killed by the .......
(a) Maharaja
(b) hunter
(c) Dewan
(d) villagers
Answer: (b) hunter
In simple words: The hundredth tiger was not killed by the Maharaja but by one of his hunters. The king only thought he had killed it, but his bullet missed.

🎯 Exam Tip: This detail adds to the dramatic irony, as the King never truly accomplished his self-appointed mission.

B. Answer the following questions in 30-40 words each:

 

Question 1. Who was the Tiger King? Why did he get that name?
Answer: The Tiger King was the king of Pratibandapuram. Astrologers predicted at his birth that a tiger would cause his death. To defy this prophecy, he began hunting tigers relentlessly, killing ninety-nine of them. He earned the name 'Tiger King' because of his fierce determination to hunt and kill so many tigers. His quest became his identity.
In simple words: The Tiger King was the ruler of Pratibandapuram. He got this name because he hunted 99 tigers to prove wrong a prediction that a tiger would kill him.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing the Tiger King, mention his kingdom, the prophecy, and his action of hunting tigers to connect all parts of the question.

 

Question 2. What miracle happened when the tiger king was just an infant?
Answer: When the Tiger King was only ten days old, a miracle occurred. Royal astrologers predicted he would die one day. To everyone's astonishment, the infant spoke clearly and asked them to reveal the manner of his death. All were greatly surprised by this event, as it was highly unusual for a baby to speak.
In simple words: When the Tiger King was just a baby, he spoke clearly and asked the astrologers how he would die, even though he was only ten days old.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the age of the infant and the surprising nature of his speech to emphasize the miracle.

 

Question 3. How was Prince Jung Bahadur brought up?
Answer: Prince Jung Bahadur was raised like other crown princes of Indian states. An English nanny took care of him, and he drank milk from an English cow. An Englishman taught him English, and he watched only English films. This upbringing aimed to give him a Westernized and elite education.
In simple words: Prince Jung Bahadur was raised by an English nanny, drank English cow's milk, was taught by an Englishman, and watched English movies.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the English influences in his upbringing, as this detail highlights the colonial era setting.

 

Question 4. "You may kill even a cow in self-defence". What did this old saying mean to the Tiger King?
Answer: For the Tiger King, this old saying meant that if a sacred animal like a cow could be killed for self-defense, then killing a tiger for the same reason was absolutely justified. Since astrologers had predicted his death by a tiger, he considered his tiger hunts as necessary acts of self-preservation. This logic provided him a strong reason for his mission.
In simple words: The King used this saying to justify killing tigers. He thought if he could kill a cow to protect himself, he could definitely kill tigers for self-defense too, because they were a threat to him.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain the King's interpretation, linking it directly to his primary motivation for hunting tigers.

 

Question 5. How did the Tiger King feel when he killed his first tiger? Why did he send for the royal astrologer?
Answer: The Tiger King felt extremely happy and thrilled after killing his first tiger. He immediately sent for the royal astrologer to show him the dead animal. He wanted to prove that the astrologer's prediction about his death was wrong and that he could easily kill other tigers, demonstrating his defiance of fate.
In simple words: The King was very happy after killing his first tiger and called the astrologer. He wanted to show the astrologer that his prediction about death by a tiger was false.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize the King's reaction (thrilled) and his specific motivation for calling the astrologer (to prove him wrong).

 

Question 6. Why was tiger hunting banned in Pratibandapuram?
Answer: Tiger hunting was banned in Pratibandapuram because astrologers had predicted that a tiger would be the cause of the Maharaja's death. To defeat this prophecy, the Maharaja decided he would personally hunt and kill one hundred tigers. Therefore, he prohibited anyone else from hunting tigers in his state, reserving the kills solely for himself.
In simple words: Tiger hunting was banned because the King wanted to kill 100 tigers himself to escape his fate. He didn't want anyone else to hunt them.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect the ban directly to the King's personal mission and the prophecy, not just general conservation.

 

Question 7. What steps did the King take to complete his mission?
Answer: To fulfill his mission of killing a hundred tigers, the King took drastic steps. He banned tiger hunting in his state for everyone except himself. He also announced that if anyone even threw a stone at a tiger, all their wealth and property would be taken away. Furthermore, he vowed to address all other state matters only after completing his tiger hunt. This showed his extreme dedication.
In simple words: The King banned tiger hunting by others, threatened to take property from anyone harming a tiger, and promised to focus on other state issues only after killing 100 tigers.

🎯 Exam Tip: List the specific decrees and actions the King took, as these demonstrate his commitment to the mission.

 

Question 8. Why did the Tiger King decide to marry a girl of the royal family of a state with a large tiger population?
Answer: The Tiger King decided to marry a princess from a state that had a large number of tigers. He made this decision because his own kingdom had run out of tigers, and he still needed to kill more to reach his goal of one hundred. By marrying into such a family, he could continue his hunts in his in-laws' territory.
In simple words: The King married a princess from another state that had many tigers. He did this so he could continue hunting tigers there, as there were no more tigers left in his own kingdom.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize the strategic nature of his marriage, linking it to his tiger-hunting mission.

C. Answer the following questions in 125 words each:

 

Question 1. How did the prediction of the astrologers about the King of the Pratibandapuram come true?
Answer: The astrologers had predicted that the Tiger King would die from a tiger. The King tried to defy this fate by killing ninety-nine tigers. He thought he had killed the hundredth tiger too, but it had actually only fainted, and a hunter finished it off. Ironically, the prophecy came true much later, in an unexpected way. On his son's third birthday, the King bought a wooden toy tiger. A small splinter from its rough surface pierced his hand, causing an infection that spread throughout his arm. Despite efforts by three surgeons, the infection proved fatal, leading to his death. Thus, a "tiger," albeit a toy one, ultimately caused his demise, fulfilling the astrologers' prediction in a surprising twist of fate. This showed that destiny could not be avoided.
In simple words: Astrologers predicted the King would die from a tiger. After killing 99 tigers, he bought a toy tiger for his son. A splinter from the toy pierced his hand, causing a fatal infection. This ultimately led to his death, proving the prediction true, but in a very ironic way.

🎯 Exam Tip: Detail the ironic manner of his death, emphasizing that it was a toy tiger and the subsequent infection, not a fierce beast, that fulfilled the prophecy.

 

Question 2. How was the hundredth tiger found and killed? (S. S. Exam 2018)
Answer: The Maharaja was very worried when he couldn't find the hundredth tiger, as his mission was stalled. To help, the Dewan secretly brought an old tiger from the People's Park in Madras and released it in the forest, hoping the King would hunt it. The Maharaja shot at this tiger, and it fell down, making him believe he had successfully killed the hundredth one. However, after the King left, the hunters realized the tiger was not dead; it had only fainted from the shock of the bullet whizzing past. Fearing the King's wrath if they revealed the truth, one of the hunters took aim and killed the tiger themselves. This way, the King never truly killed the hundredth tiger, and his claim was based on a misunderstanding. This deception highlights the fear of authority.
In simple words: The hundredth tiger was an old one, brought by the Dewan from a park to the forest for the King. The King shot it, but it only fainted. Later, a hunter killed it, keeping the truth from the King to avoid his anger.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the details of how the tiger was obtained, the King's perceived kill, and the actual killing by the hunter, as these are crucial to the plot's irony.

 

Question 4. What was the rumour rife in Pratibadhapuram?
Answer: A widespread rumour in Pratibandapuram concerned a miraculous event at the King's birth. Astrologers had predicted that the infant prince would die one day. Astonishingly, the ten-day-old baby spoke clearly, stating that death is common to all born beings and there was nothing new in that prediction. He then bravely asked the astrologers about the specific manner of his death. When told he would be killed by a tiger, the infant growled, "Let tigers beware!" This extraordinary incident became a persistent rumour throughout the kingdom. It built a reputation for the King, shaping his future actions.
In simple words: The rumour in Pratibandapuram was about a baby king who spoke at ten days old. When astrologers predicted he would die from a tiger, he boldly asked how, then warned the tigers.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize the core miraculous event (infant speaking) and its immediate consequence (the warning to tigers), as this sets up the central conflict.

D. State True Or False:

 

Question 1. The Tiger King is the king of Pratibandapuram.
Answer: True
In simple words: Yes, the Tiger King was indeed the ruler of the kingdom called Pratibandapuram. This is where his tiger hunting quest began.

🎯 Exam Tip: Confirming basic character and setting details like this ensures you understand the story's foundation.

 

Question 2. Royal astrologers predicted his death to be caused by a snake.
Answer: False
In simple words: No, the astrologers predicted that the Tiger King would die because of a tiger, not a snake. This prediction drove all his actions.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay close attention to key details like the exact cause of death predicted, as incorrect recall can change the entire story's meaning.

 

Question 3. The king hunted ninety-nine tigers.
Answer: True
In simple words: Yes, the King did hunt and kill ninety-nine tigers in his effort to escape his fated death. He was very close to his goal.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the exact number of tigers the King believed he killed, as it's crucial for the dramatic irony of the hundredth tiger.

 

Question 4. The Tiger King's story is a satire on the conceit of those in power.
Answer: True
In simple words: Yes, the story makes fun of powerful people who are too proud and believe they can control everything, even fate. It shows how their arrogance can lead to silly outcomes.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identifying the genre (satire) and its target (conceit of power) helps in understanding the story's deeper message and themes.

E. Creative Writing:

 

Question. Imagine the world devoid of tigers. How would it adversely affect the ecological balance?
Answer: If tigers disappeared, the ecological balance would be severely disrupted. Tigers are apex predators, meaning they sit at the top of the food chain. Without them, the populations of herbivores like deer and wild boar would increase rapidly. This overpopulation would lead to excessive grazing, which would damage forests by hindering tree regeneration and seed dispersal. This, in turn, would affect the entire food web, causing a decline in plant diversity and potentially leading to the extinction of other species. Forests are also crucial for maintaining water levels and rainfall, so their degradation would have wider environmental impacts. Ultimately, the absence of tigers would create a profound imbalance in nature, affecting biodiversity and ecosystem health. Protecting tigers thus protects entire ecosystems.
In simple words: If tigers were gone, there would be too many deer and other plant-eaters. They would eat too many plants, harming forests and making other animals suffer. This would break the balance of nature.

🎯 Exam Tip: When discussing ecological balance, focus on the 'food web' concept, explaining how removing an apex predator creates a ripple effect down the chain.

RBSE Class 12 English Panorama Chapter 1 Additional Questions

A. Answer the following questions in about 30-40 words each:

 

Question 1. What prediction was made at the Tiger King's birth?
Answer: At the Tiger King's birth, astrologers predicted he would become a great warrior and hero. However, they also foretold that a tiger would be the cause of his death. This was because he was born under the Bull constellation, and since the Bull and the Tiger are enemies, his fate was linked to this animal.
In simple words: Astrologers predicted that the King would be a hero but would die because of a tiger. This was linked to his birth sign.

🎯 Exam Tip: Include both parts of the prediction—his greatness and his death by a tiger—to provide a complete answer.

 

Question 2. How did the infant react to the prediction regarding himself?
Answer: When the astrologers made the prediction, the ten-day-old infant Prince spoke clearly. He said that death is certain for everyone, so there was nothing new in that part of the prediction. Then, with great courage, he asked the astrologers to specify the exact manner in which he would die. His bravery was evident even as a baby.
In simple words: The baby King spoke clearly and said that everyone dies. He then boldly asked the astrologers to tell him the exact way he would die.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the infant's shocking ability to speak and his courageous challenge to the astrologers' prophecy.

 

Question 3. How did the chief astrologer explain the manner of the Tiger King's death?
Answer: The chief astrologer explained that the Tiger King was born under the influence of the Bull. Since the Bull and the Tiger are natural enemies, his death would come from a tiger. He firmly stated that the Maharaja would not be able to avoid his fate of being killed by a tiger. This explanation linked his birth sign to his destiny.
In simple words: The chief astrologer said the King was born under the Bull sign, which is an enemy of the Tiger. So, he said the King was destined to die from a tiger and could not escape it.

🎯 Exam Tip: Ensure you mention the connection between the King's birth constellation (Bull) and the tiger to fully explain the astrologer's reasoning.

 

Question 4. Why did the Maharaja start hunting tigers?
Answer: The Maharaja started hunting tigers because a prophecy at his birth declared that a tiger would be the cause of his death. To prove this prediction false and protect himself, he resolved to kill a hundred tigers. He believed that by eliminating the threat, he could change his destiny and live safely.
In simple words: The Maharaja started hunting tigers because a prophecy said he would die from a tiger. He wanted to kill 100 tigers to prove the prediction wrong and save his own life.

🎯 Exam Tip: The main reason for his hunting was self-preservation and defying fate, so connect these two ideas in your answer.

 

Question 5. What was the state astrologer's reaction to seeing the first tiger killed by the Maharaja?
Answer: Upon seeing the first killed tiger, the state astrologer asserted that his prediction could not be wrong. He warned the Maharaja that while he might kill ninety-nine tigers, he must be very cautious with the hundredth one. He dramatically declared that if the King succeeded in killing the hundredth tiger, he would cut off his tuft, burn his books, and become an insurance agent.
In simple words: The astrologer told the King that his prediction was still true. He warned the King to be very careful with the hundredth tiger and even promised to quit his profession if the King killed it.

🎯 Exam Tip: Include the astrologer's specific dramatic declaration about quitting his profession; it highlights the intensity of his belief.

 

Question 6. Give an instance to prove the Maharaja's bravery.
Answer: An instance proving the Maharaja's bravery occurred during tiger hunts. Even when his bullet missed its target, and he faced dangerous situations, he would bravely fight the wild animal without any weapons. He always managed to win these encounters, demonstrating his fearless resolve and skill in battling tigers, even when unarmed.
In simple words: The King was brave because even when his bullet missed a tiger, he would fight the powerful beast without weapons and always win.

🎯 Exam Tip: Provide a specific example of his bravery, like fighting unarmed, rather than just stating he was brave.

 

Question 7. What brought the Maharaja's mission to a standstill?
Answer: The Maharaja's mission to kill a hundred tigers came to a halt when the tiger population in his own state became extinct. After he had killed seventy tigers, there were simply no more tigers left to hunt in Pratibandapuram. This scarcity of tigers made it impossible for him to continue his quest, bringing his mission to a complete standstill.
In simple words: The King's tiger-hunting mission stopped because all the tigers in his kingdom were killed. After he had killed 70 tigers, there were no more left to find.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state that the extinction of tigers in his own state was the primary reason for the mission's halt.

 

Question 8. What celebrations took place at the hundredth tiger's killing?
Answer: Following the supposed killing of the hundredth tiger, grand celebrations were organized. The "dead" tiger was carried in a magnificent procession through the capital city of Pratibandapuram. It was then buried, and a tomb was erected over it to mark the Maharaja's supposed achievement. These celebrations were meant to glorify the King's victory over his predicted fate.
In simple words: After the hundredth tiger was "killed," it was paraded through the city, then buried, and a tomb was built. This was a big celebration of the King's success.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention the procession, burial, and tomb construction as the key elements of the celebrations.

 

Question 9. Why was the Maharaja sunk in gloom?
Answer: The Maharaja was deeply sad because he had vowed to kill a hundred tigers to defy the astrologers' prophecy about his death. After successfully killing ninety-nine tigers, he could not find the hundredth tiger anywhere. This inability to complete his mission and overcome his fated prediction filled him with profound despair and gloom.
In simple words: The King was sad because he couldn't find the hundredth tiger to kill. He had killed 99, but with no more tigers, he felt he couldn't escape his fate.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect his gloom directly to his unfulfilled vow and the fear of the prophecy coming true.

 

Question 10. What dispelled the Maharaja's gloom?
Answer: The Maharaja's sadness was lifted when news arrived that sheep were mysteriously disappearing from a village near his capital. This immediately suggested the presence of a tiger in the area. This hint of a potential hundredth tiger brought back his hope and resolve, instantly dispelling his gloom as he saw a chance to complete his mission.
In simple words: The King's sadness went away when he heard that sheep were disappearing from a village. This news made him think there was a tiger there, giving him new hope to find his hundredth tiger.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the specific event (disappearing sheep) that provided the King with renewed hope and a new target.

 

Question 12. What posed the danger of the loss of his job before the Dewan?
Answer: The Dewan faced the danger of losing his job because the Maharaja was extremely angry about the failure to find the hundredth tiger. The King demanded that the Dewan either find a tiger immediately or face severe consequences, including dismissal from his position. This ultimatum put immense pressure on the Dewan, as his job depended on fulfilling the King's obsession.
In simple words: The Dewan's job was in danger because the King was angry about not finding the last tiger. The King told him to find a tiger or lose his job.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the King's demand and the Dewan's fear of unemployment as the core elements of this conflict.

 

Question 13. Why did the British officer want to kill a tiger? And could he kill the tiger?
Answer: The British officer wanted to kill a tiger primarily because he was very fond of tiger hunting. However, his deeper desire was to have a photograph of himself posing with a dead tiger, more for prestige than for the hunt itself. He could not kill the tiger because the Tiger King strictly refused permission, as he had reserved all tiger hunts in his kingdom for himself.
In simple words: The British officer wanted to hunt a tiger for fun, but mostly to get a photo with it. He couldn't kill it because the Tiger King wouldn't allow anyone else to hunt tigers.

🎯 Exam Tip: Differentiate between his stated reason (hunting) and his actual motivation (photography) to show a deeper understanding of the officer's character.

 

Question 14. What did the Maharaja do to get more tigers to hunt?
Answer: To find more tigers to hunt, the Maharaja decided to marry a princess from a state known for its large tiger population. This strategic marriage allowed him to hunt tigers in his in-laws' territory whenever he visited. Through this method, he successfully continued his mission by killing four or five tigers during each visit, slowly inching closer to his hundred-tiger goal.
In simple words: To get more tigers, the King married a princess from a state that had many tigers. This allowed him to hunt in his new in-laws' kingdom.

🎯 Exam Tip: The King's resourcefulness in finding new hunting grounds through marriage is an important plot point.

 

Question 15. What gift did the Tiger King buy for his son on his third birthday?
Answer: For his son's third birthday, the Tiger King wanted to buy a very special gift. After searching every shop in Pratibandapuram and not finding anything truly suitable, he finally settled on a wooden toy tiger. This simple, inexpensive toy was purchased for a mere two annas and a quarter, becoming the fateful gift that would lead to his demise.
In simple words: For his son's third birthday, the Tiger King bought a wooden toy tiger after searching everywhere for a special gift.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note the ironic simplicity of the gift (a wooden toy tiger) in contrast to the King's grand hunting obsession.

 

Question 16. How did the Tiger King die? (Board Sample Paper 2017)
Answer: The Tiger King died in an ironic twist of fate. On his son's third birthday, he was playing with a wooden toy tiger he had bought as a gift. A tiny, sharp splinter of wood from the toy's rough surface pierced his hand. The small wound quickly became infected, spreading throughout his arm. Despite the efforts of three expert surgeons, the infection could not be contained and proved fatal, leading to his death. This fulfilled the astrologers' prediction, as he was indeed killed by a "tiger," albeit a toy one.
In simple words: The King died from an infection caused by a tiny splinter from a wooden toy tiger. He was playing with the toy, and the small injury became deadly, fulfilling the prophecy.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize the cause (splinter, infection) and the ironic nature of his death (toy tiger vs. real tiger).

B. Answer each of the following questions in 125 words:

 

Question 1. The story is a satire on the conceit of those in power. How does the author employ the literary device of dramatic irony in the story?
Answer: "The Tiger King" uses dramatic irony brilliantly to satirize the arrogance of powerful individuals. Dramatic irony occurs when the audience understands something that the characters do not. In the story, the astrologers predict that a tiger will cause the King's death, a fact known to the readers. The King, driven by his ego and a desire to prove the prophecy wrong, embarks on a relentless mission to kill all tigers, even boasting about his ninety-nine kills. He believes he is controlling his destiny, while the audience knows that fate will eventually catch up to him. The ultimate irony is revealed when he is not killed by a magnificent, wild hundredth tiger, but by a tiny, seemingly harmless splinter from a wooden toy tiger bought for his son. This trivial cause of death, contrasting sharply with his grand efforts, highlights the futility of human conceit against destiny. The author uses this dramatic irony to mock the King's misplaced pride and to show that nature often finds unexpected ways to exact its revenge, making the powerful seem foolish.
In simple words: The story uses dramatic irony to make fun of proud rulers. We know the King will die from a tiger, but he tries to stop it by killing 99 tigers. The irony is, he dies from a small splinter from a toy tiger, not a real one, showing that his pride couldn't change his fate.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly define dramatic irony and then provide specific examples from the story, especially the contrast between the King's actions and the actual outcome of his death.

 

Question 2. What is the author's indirect comment on subjecting innocent animals to the willfulness of human beings?
Answer: In "The Tiger King," the author subtly criticizes the human tendency to exploit innocent animals for selfish reasons. The King, fueled by his pride and a personal prophecy, ruthlessly hunts tigers, disregarding their lives purely to prove a point about his own destiny. The story, while humorous, underscores how those in power often exercise their will without considering its impact on other living beings. The author suggests that nature has its own way of balancing acts of cruelty. The King's eventual death, caused by a small wooden tiger after he had brutally killed so many real ones, serves as a poignant symbolic retribution. It implies that unchecked human arrogance and wanton destruction of innocent life will ultimately lead to ironic and unavoidable consequences. The fate of the King serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating that such willfulness often boomerangs, and a price must be paid for harming the natural world.
In simple words: The author shows how humans harm animals for their own selfish reasons, like the King killing tigers to change his fate. The story suggests that nature will get its revenge, as the King dies from a toy tiger after harming so many real ones.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the theme of human arrogance vs. nature's retribution, using the King's actions and ultimate death as key examples.

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