Class 12 English Core NCERT textbook Vistas Lesson 2 ‘The Tiger King’ Previous Years’ Board Exam Questions with Answers. : Previous Year Questions (PYQs) for Class 12 English Core Chapter 2, The Tiger King, are instrumental in understanding commonly asked exam questions, patterns, and are crucial for CBSE Board Exam and serve as valuable help in preparing for CBSE Class 12 English Board Exams.
CBSE Class 12 English Core Vistas Book Chapter 2 The Tiger King Question Answers from previous years question papers
Class 12 English Core NCERT textbook Vistas Lesson 2 ‘The Tiger King’ includes previous years’ board exam questions with answers. These question-answers offer valuable insights into how chapters are typically presented in exams, making them an essential resource for CBSE Board Exam preparation. They highlight commonly asked questions and key concepts that need more focus. This post shares previous year questions for Class 12 English Core Chapter 2, “The Tiger King.”
Note: Questions might have multiple answers separated by ‘OR’ to assist learners and students in understanding the theme and essence of the questions, enabling them to draft or formulate their own responses based on the insights gained from the provided answers.
PYQs Asked in 2024 Board Exam from the lesson ‘The Tiger King’
Q1. Read the following extracts and answer the questions:
From that day onwards it was celebration time for all the tigers inhabiting Pratibandapuram.
The State banned tiger hunting by anyone except the Maharaja. A proclamation was issued to the effect that if anyone dared to fling so much as a stone at a tiger, all his wealth and property would be confiscated.
The Maharaja vowed he would attend to all other matters only after killing the hundred tigers. Initially the king seemed well set to realise his ambition.
(i) Select the correct option:
‘… he would attend to all other matters only after killing hundred tigers’. This reflects Tiger King’s:
(A) courage
(B) determination
(C) selfishness
(D) kindness
Ans. (B) determination
(ii) Complete the sentence appropriately:
From that day onwards it was celebration time for all the tigers.
The above statement is ironical in the sense _______.
Ans.The above statement is ironical in the sense that it actually marked the beginning of the mass killing of tigers by the Maharaja, so instead of celebration, it was a time of danger and death for them.
(iii) Interpret the line:
‘…… if anyone dared to fling so much as a stone at a tiger, all his wealth and property would be confiscated’.
What trait of the king is reflected in the above line?
Ans. The above line reflects the authoritative and self-centred nature of the king. It shows that the king was obsessed with his goal of killing 100 tigers and would go to any extreme to protect his right to hunt. It also shows his misuse of power for personal reasons.
(iv) True or False:
The King’s ambition is to save people from the tigers.
Ans. False
SQP 2023-24
Q2. Read the following extract and answer the questions:
“In other words, the Tiger King is dead.
The manner of his death is a matter of extraordinary interest. It can be revealed only at the end of the tale. The most fantastic aspect of his demise was that as soon as he was born, astrologers had foretold that one day the Tiger King would actually have to die.
“The child will grow up to become the warrior of warriors, hero of heroes, champion of champions. But…” they bit their lips and swallowed hard.
When compelled to continue, the astrologers came out with it. “This is a secret which should not be revealed at all. And yet we are forced to speak out. The child born under this star will one day have to meet its death.”
(CBSE SQP 2023–24)
(a) Complete the sentence appropriately:
The author’s purpose in using foreshadowing, is to
Ans. The author’s purpose in using foreshadowing is to create suspense and curiosity in the reader’s mind about how the Tiger King will die, despite all his efforts to avoid the prophecy.
(b) In the given extract, what emotion were the astrologers feeling when they “bit their lips and swallowed hard”?
Options:
(i) Humiliation
(ii) Disbelief
(iii) Grief
(iv) Unease
Ans. (iv) Unease
(c) Which trait are the astrologers lauding when they say “warrior of warriors, hero of heroes, champion of champions”?
Ans. Valour (or heroism)/courage/strength/ heroic qualities
(d) How is the line, “the most fantastic aspect of his demise”, an example of contrast?
Ans. The line “the most fantastic aspect of his demise” is an example of contrast because it creates a sharp difference between what is expected and what actually happens. The Tiger King spends his whole life bravely killing tigers to avoid death, yet he dies due to a harmless wooden toy tiger. This unexpected and ironic cause of death contrasts with his powerful and heroic image, making his end both surprising and humorous.
[CBSE Question Bank, 2021]
Q3. Read the following extracts and answer the questions:
From that day onwards it was celebration time for all the tigers inhabiting Pratibandapuram. The state banned tiger hunting by anyone except the Maharaja. A proclamation was issued to the effect that if anyone dared to fling so much as a stone at a tiger, all his wealth and property would be confiscated.
The Maharaja vowed he would attend to all other matters only after killing the hundred tigers. Initially the king seemed well set to realise his ambition. Not that he faced no dangers. There were times when the bullet missed its mark, the tiger leapt upon him and he fought the beast with his bare hands. Each time it was the Maharaja who won. [CBSE Question Bank, 2021]
(i) The tone of the author when he says, ‘it was celebration tune for all tigers’ is ____.
(ii) Pick the pair of TRUE statements based on the extract.
- Tiger hunting was absolutely banned in the kingdom.
- The Maharaja was extremely courageous and fearless,
- The Maharaja paid no heed to matters related to his kingdom.
- The Maharaja was able to fulfil his ambition, without any perils.
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 4
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 1 and 4
(iii) In which of the following options can the underlined words NOT be replaced with ‘proclamation’?
(a) The politician shared his manifesto during the election meeting.
(b) All the citizens of the kingdom had to abide by the emperor’s edict.
(c)The communiqué made by the official had a disastrous effect.
(d)The decree of the state forbade cruelty against animals.
(iv) On the basis of this passage, pick the option that enumerates the characteristics of the king.
gullible, arrogant, wilful, aggressive, apathetic, scrupulous
Answers
(i) Sarcastic
(ii) (c) 2 and 3
(iii) (c) The communiqué made by the official had a disastrous effect.
(iv) 2, 3 and 5
Short & Long Questions (CBSE 2024)
Q1. ‘They decided that the Maharaja must not come to know that he had missed the target’. Why did the hunters try to hide the truth from the King? (40-50 words) (CBSE 2024)
Answer:
The hunters knew that if the Maharaja came to know he had missed the hundredth tiger, he would be angry and might punish them. They were afraid of losing their jobs. So, they killed the tiger themselves and kept the truth hidden to protect themselves.
OR
After the Maharaja’s shot, the hunters saw the tiger was still alive. If the king learnt he had missed, he might punish them or fire them. To protect their jobs and avoid his anger, they secretly shot the tiger again and hid the truth.
Q2. Do you think the prediction made by the state astrologer “was indisputably disproved”? Give reasons in support of your answer. (40-50 Words)
Answer:
No, the astrologer’s prediction was not disproved. Even after killing 99 tigers, the Maharaja died because of a wooden toy tiger. A sharp piece from the toy caused an infection, leading to his death. So, the tiger still became the cause of his end, just in an unexpected way.
OR
It might appear disproved when the Maharaja shot what he thought was the hundredth tiger. However, he later died from an infected splinter of a wooden toy tiger. This shows the prophecy came true in an unexpected way, so it was not truly disproved.
Q3. The story “The Tiger King” is a satire on the conceit of those in power. How does the author employ the literary device of dramatic irony in the story? (120-150 Words)
Answer:
The story “The Tiger King” uses dramatic irony to show the foolishness of those in power. Dramatic irony is when the audience knows something important that the character does not. The Maharaja believes that he can defeat fate by killing 100 tigers. He puts in all his efforts, resources, and time into completing this task. In the end, he believes he has killed the 100th tiger and feels safe. However, the reader knows that the tiger was only unconscious and was later killed secretly by the hunters. Ironically, the Maharaja dies because of a wooden toy tiger, not a real one. The prediction does come true, but in a surprising way. This makes the story both funny and thoughtful. The dramatic irony shows that no one can escape fate, not even a powerful king.
OR
The author uses dramatic irony by letting us see the contrast between what the Maharaja believes and what actually happens. We know from the start that he is fated to die because of a tiger. So, when he pours all his energy into killing 100 tigers, we feel the tension: the king thinks this will save him, but the reader realizes that he is only walking into his own doom. The greatest irony comes at the end, when a harmless wooden toy tiger—meant as a birthday gift—causes his death. The Maharaja, obsessed with real tigers, never imagines that a toy could harm him. His blind confidence and pride make the ending both tragic and darkly humorous, highlighting the folly of trying to outwit fate.
Q4. “Tiger population became extinct in the forests of Pratibandapuram.” Tiger King is a typical example of man’s dominance over nature.
As a member of your school Eco Club, write an article for your school magazine on how man should follow the policy of ‘Live and Let Live’.
You may begin like this.
‘The noblest principle, man should follow in his life is co-existence. (The Tiger King) (120-150 Words)
Answer:
The noblest principle man should follow in his life is co-existence.
The story “The Tiger King” clearly shows how man’s pride and greed can disturb nature. The Maharaja killed 99 tigers only to escape death, and as a result, the tiger population in his kingdom became extinct. This shows how humans try to dominate nature for personal gain. But in the end, nature strikes back when a simple wooden toy tiger causes the king’s death. As a member of the Eco Club, I believe it is time we understand the value of co-existence. Animals and nature are not enemies. We must protect wildlife, not destroy it. Nature gives us air, water, and life. If we don’t respect it, we harm ourselves. So, let us all follow the rule — “Live and Let Live” — and save our planet together.
OR
“The noblest principle man should follow in his life is co‑existence.”
In The Tiger King, the Maharaja’s relentless hunt drives the tiger population in his forests to extinction. This extreme example warns us how human greed can destroy entire species and upset nature’s balance. As members of our Eco Club, we must adopt the policy of ‘Live and Let Live’. We can start by protecting local wildlife habitats, planting native trees, and educating our community about respecting animals. Each creature—from insects to large mammals—plays a vital role in keeping ecosystems healthy. When we learn to share space and resources, both people and nature thrive. Let us volunteer in wildlife rescue programs, reduce waste, and speak up against cruel practices. By honoring co‑existence, we ensure a safer, greener planet for ourselves and for all living beings.
Q5. Until then the Maharaja had given his entire time and energy to tiger hunting. He had no time to spare for the crown prince. In the present times, we see people following their profession and running after money and neglect their children. As a professional counsellor, you address working parents, stressing the need to spend quality time with children. Take material from the story ‘The Tiger King’ to reinforce your points of view.
You may begin like this. Spending time with children will boost their confidence ……. (120-150 words)
Answer:
Spending time with children will boost their confidence and build strong relationships.
In the story “The Tiger King”, the Maharaja was so busy hunting tigers that he had no time for his own son. He remembered him only on his third birthday. Even then, the gift he chose — a wooden tiger — led to his own death. This teaches us that running after work and ignoring children can have negative effects. In today’s fast-moving world, many parents are busy earning money and building careers. But children don’t need riches; they need love, care, and time. Talking to them, playing with them, and being part of their lives helps them grow confident and happy. So dear parents, take time out from your busy schedule. Your presence means the world to your child. After all, memories matter more than money.
OR
“Spending time with children will boost their confidence and strengthen your bond.”
In The Tiger King, the Maharaja ignores his young son for years while chasing tigers. Only after fulfilling his obsession does he suddenly remember his crown prince, gifting him a wooden tiger. This last‑minute attention brings joy but also tragic consequences, as a splinter from the toy leads to the king’s death. Working parents today often rush between jobs and chores, leaving little time for kids. Yet, consistent quality time—reading together, playing games, or simply talking—encourages children’s self‑esteem and emotional security. Small daily routines, like a bedtime story or a weekend walk, show children they matter. When parents carve out moments for their children, they help build trust and happy memories. Let this story remind us: never delay what truly matters—your child’s need for love and attention.
PYQs Asked in 2023 Board Exam from “The Tiger King”
Q1. Why did the Maharaja have to pay a bill of three lakh rupees to the British jewellers?(40-50 words) (CBSE 2023)
Answer:
The Maharaja sent 50 diamond rings to the British officer’s wife, hoping she would choose one or two and return the rest. But she kept all of them and sent a thank-you message. Later, a bill of three lakh rupees was sent by the jewellers, which the Maharaja had to pay.
OR
The Maharaja sent 50 diamond rings to a British officer’s wife, hoping she would choose one or two and return the rest. But she kept all the rings and thanked him. Later, the jewellers sent a bill of three lakh rupees, which the Maharaja had to pay.
Q2. What was the hidden agenda behind the Tiger King’s marriage with the princess in neighbouring state? (40-50 words)
Answer:
The Maharaja married a princess from a state with a large tiger population. His real motive was not love, but to get access to more tigers for hunting. He used each visit to his in-laws’ state to kill more tigers and continue his mission of killing 100 tigers.
OR
The hidden purpose of the Tiger King’s marriage was to hunt more tigers. Since there were no tigers left in his own state, he chose a princess from a kingdom that had a large tiger population so that he could continue his mission of killing 100 tigers.
Q3. Do you agree with the Tiger King’s statement? You may kill even a cow in self defence. (40-50 words) (Outside Delhi 2023)
Answer:
No, I don’t fully agree. Self-defence may allow action in danger, but it should not be used to justify killing innocent animals. The Maharaja used this excuse to kill tigers for his own safety. Instead, he could have respected wildlife and looked for peaceful solutions.
OR
No, I do not agree with the statement. Violence should never be the first solution. Animals, including tigers or cows, have a right to live. Even in self-defence, we should try to avoid harm. Killing animals for personal safety or pride is not justified.
Q4. In what way did the infant Tiger King surprise the astrologer? (40-50 words) (CBSE 2022-23)
Answer:
The newborn prince spoke clearly at just ten days old, which shocked everyone. He even challenged the astrologer by asking how he would die and mocked the prediction. The astrologer was amazed that a tiny baby could speak and question intelligently, something completely unexpected.
OR
The infant Tiger King surprised the astrologer by speaking clearly at just ten days old. He not only understood the prophecy but also questioned it intelligently, asking how he would die. This shocked everyone, as it was highly unusual for a newborn to talk like that.
Q5. Comment on any one aspect of the writing style of the author, Kalki in The Tiger King. (40-50 words) (CBSE SQP-2023)
Answer:
Kalki uses satire and humour to highlight the foolishness of the Maharaja. His style is entertaining yet meaningful. The use of dramatic irony, funny titles, and clever narration makes the story enjoyable while giving a serious message about power, pride, and the human-nature relationship.
OR
Kalki uses humour and satire to criticize kings and their foolish use of power. His writing is light, witty, and filled with irony. Even serious matters are presented in a funny way. This makes the story entertaining but also sends a strong message.
Q6. What was the Maharaja’s mission? How did he resolve to overcome the obstacles in the fulfilment of his mission? (120-150 Words) (CBSE 2023)
Answer:
The Maharaja’s mission was to kill 100 tigers to avoid the astrologer’s prediction that a tiger would cause his death. After taking charge of the kingdom, he banned others from hunting and started killing tigers himself. He faced many challenges — once he risked losing his throne by refusing a British officer permission to hunt. To fix this, he sent the officer’s wife expensive diamond rings. Later, when no tigers were left in his kingdom, he married a princess from a state with more tigers, just to continue hunting. He killed 99 tigers this way. When he couldn’t find the 100th tiger, his Dewan arranged a tame one from the zoo. The Maharaja shot it but missed, and the hunters killed it secretly. He believed he had completed his mission, but in the end, he was killed by a wooden toy tiger, proving the prophecy right.
OR
The Maharaja’s mission was to kill 100 tigers to avoid the death predicted by astrologers. When he was born, it was foretold that a tiger would be the cause of his death. So, when he became king, he made it his life’s goal to kill tigers.
To complete his mission, he banned others from hunting, and even risked his kingdom to stop a British officer from killing a tiger. Later, when no tigers were left in his state, he married a princess from a state with many tigers. After killing 99 tigers, he struggled to find the last one.
The Dewan secretly brought a tame tiger from the zoo. The Maharaja shot at it, but missed. The hunters killed it later, hiding the truth.
Sadly, the Maharaja was killed by a wooden toy tiger, proving that he could not escape fate
CBSE Question Bank by CBSE – 2021
Q1. Do you think an author who includes several instances of satire in a story faces the risk of being too cynical? Explain. (CBSE Question Bank, 2021)
Answer:
No, using satire doesn’t always mean the author is being cynical. In fact, satire is used to highlight serious issues in a humorous way. In The Tiger King, Kalki uses satire to show the foolishness of rulers, misuse of power, and man’s pride. It makes the story entertaining but also thought-provoking. Instead of sounding bitter, satire can help the reader understand deeper truths without getting bored or offended. So, when used well, satire can be a powerful tool for change, not a sign of negativity.
OR
Satire pokes fun at human flaws, but if overdone, it can feel too negative or cynical, making readers think the author sees no good in anyone. A balanced satire—one that mixes humour with moments of hope or sympathy—avoids cynicism. In The Tiger King, Kalki mocks the Maharaja’s pride but also shows his human side (love for his son). This blend keeps the story engaging rather than bleak, so the critique remains funny and meaningful, not just harsh.
Q2. ‘Knowing too much of your future is never a good thing.’ In light of this quote, examine how knowing the future paved way for the king’s end. (CBSE QB, 2021)
Answer:
The Maharaja knew from birth that he would die because of a tiger. This knowledge made him obsessed with killing tigers to escape his fate. He killed 99 tigers and thought he had fooled destiny. But he was so focused on changing the future that he forgot to live wisely. In the end, he died because of a small wooden tiger, proving that fate cannot be avoided. So, knowing the future led to fear and foolish actions, and finally brought about his death.
OR
The Maharaja’s fear of the astrologer’s prediction obsessed him. Believing a tiger would kill him, he spent his life hunting to avoid his fate. This single-minded chase led him to ignore his family, his duties, and common sense. Ironically, his efforts fulfilled the prophecy in an unexpected way—a wooden tiger’s splinter caused his death. By knowing his future, he stumbled blindly into the very end he tried to escape.
Q3. The Maharaja justified his actions based on the maxim: ‘You may kill even a cow in self-defence,’ so there would be no objection to killing tigers in self-defence.’ Do you think it is right to justify our actions in this way? Elaborate. (CBSE QB, 2021)
Answer:
No, it is not right to justify harmful actions using such excuses. The Maharaja used this maxim to justify killing innocent tigers out of fear. But the tigers had not harmed him — he killed them just to avoid a prophecy. Self-defence is only valid when there is real danger. Misusing such ideas to hide selfish motives is wrong. True wisdom lies in protecting life, not ending it. Just like the Maharaja’s excuse failed in the end, wrong justifications can never defeat truth or fate.
OR
No, it is not right to use self-defence as a blanket excuse. Self-defence applies when immediate danger threatens life. The Maharaja twisted it to kill tigers for pride and safety from prophecy, not real danger. This misuse shows how people can rationalize harmful actions. True self-defence respects both life and law. We must carefully judge when force is really needed, not use it to satisfy selfish desires.
Q4. Imagine you are an ardent environmentalist who is involved in the Save the Tiger campaign. You have been asked to deliver a speech in a seminar related to your campaign and the need for the youth to be involved in such campaigns. Draft your speech. (120-150 words) (CBSE QB, 2021)
Answer: Speech:
Good morning everyone,
I am here to speak about the importance of youth involvement in campaigns, especially those focused on environment and social issues.
The youth are full of energy, ideas, and passion, which can bring real change. Campaigns against issues like animal cruelty, climate change, pollution, or deforestation need young voices. When the youth raise awareness through social media, rallies, or school clubs, people listen.
Campaigns like “Say No to Plastic” or “Save Tigers” have grown stronger because of student participation.
I urge all young people to not sit silently. Be aware, be active, and be responsible. Let’s use our strength for a better future — for people, animals, and the planet.
Thank you!
OR
Seminar Speech: Youth Engagement in Our Campaign
Good morning everyone. Thank you for having me here today. Our campaign is focused on protecting wildlife and our environment. But we cannot achieve this goal without young people. Youth bring fresh ideas, energy, and motivation. When young voices speak up, they inspire communities to act.
As students and emerging leaders, you can use social media to spread awareness. You can organize clean‑up drives, tree‑planting events, and fundraisers. You can also volunteer at local shelters or write to policymakers. Small steps—like reducing plastic use—become powerful when done together.
I urge each of you to join our campaign. Your passion can turn awareness into action. Together, we can build a greener, safer planet for all living beings. Let us rise as the generation that makes a real difference. Thank you.
Q5. You visited a wildlife sanctuary recently and were appalled at the condition of the sanctuary and the plight of the animals there. Write an article for an e-magazine expressing your concern and the need to alleviate the facilities at the sanctuary and provide the animals with a secure habitat. (120-150 words)(CBSE QB, 2021)
Answer: E‑Magazine Article: : A Cry from the Wild
Article: A Cry from the Wild
Last week, I visited a wildlife sanctuary, and I was shocked by what I saw. The animals looked weak and scared, the enclosures were dirty, and there was no proper food or medical care.
Sanctuaries are meant to be safe homes for animals, but this place felt more like a prison. If wild animals are not protected in such places, where will they be safe?
I strongly request the concerned authorities to improve the facilities, hire trained staff, provide clean water, healthy food, and medical help, and ensure proper security.
Every animal has a right to live with dignity and safety. Let’s take action now to make sanctuaries truly safe and natural homes for wildlife.
OR
E‑Magazine Article: Wildlife Sanctuary in Crisis
Last week, I visited Greenvale Wildlife Sanctuary. I was shocked by the poor conditions. Many enclosures were broken. Fresh water was scarce. Injured animals roamed without proper care. The surrounding fences were rusted and weak.
This sanctuary was meant to protect these creatures, yet it fails them. Elephants had no shade. Birds were crammed in tiny cages. Veterinary facilities were almost nonexistent. The staff try hard, but resources are too few.
We need urgent action. The government and NGOs must fund repairs, build safe enclosures, and ensure clean water supply. Volunteers can help with feeding and cleaning. Only with better facilities and proper care will these animals live in dignity. Let’s speak up and demand change now.
Q6. The king was callous as a ruler and behaved whimsically. Thus, the people in his kingdom suffered while he fulfilled his desire of killing a hundred tigers. Do you find leaders or politicians in the world today being indifferent to the needs of the people and behaving in the same way? Comment with relevant examples. (120-150 words) (CBSE QB, 2021)
Answer:
In The Tiger King, the king was so obsessed with killing tigers that he ignored his people and misused his power. Sadly, we still see such leaders today.
Some politicians focus only on their image, personal gain, or power, while the real problems like education, poverty, health, and environment are left behind. For example, during elections, promises are made, but later many areas still lack clean water, proper roads, or schools.
In some cases, large amounts of public money are spent on statues, events, or foreign trips, instead of solving urgent issues like floods, droughts, or unemployment.
Good leaders should listen to the people and work for their welfare. Power must be used to serve, not to satisfy personal pride. The story is a reminder that selfish leadership always leads to harm.
OR
Yes, many modern politicians mirror the Maharaja’s indifference. They focus on their own goals—power, wealth, or image—while neglecting citizens. For example, in some cities, leaders spend millions on monuments but ignore basic services like clean water or schools. During natural disasters, food and medicine often arrive late because officials delay action.
At the national level, some governments prioritize showpiece projects over public health or education. This careless attitude hurts the poorest and most vulnerable first. Just as the Maharaja hunted tigers and ignored his people, today’s leaders sometimes overlook urgent needs for personal gain.
We must hold our leaders accountable. Voting, peaceful protests, and community meetings can pressure them to put people before pride. Only then will they truly serve the public good.
PYQs Asked in 2020 Board Exam from “The Tiger King”
Q1. When did the ‘Tiger King’ decide to get married? (40-50 words) (Delhi 2020)
Answer:
The Tiger King decided to get married after killing 70 tigers. Since no more tigers were left in his kingdom, he married a princess from a neighbouring state with a large tiger population. His real purpose was to continue hunting and reach his goal of killing 100 tigers.
OR
The Maharaja decided to marry when he had killed seventy tigers and the wild population in his own state had died out. He realized he needed more tigers to reach his hundred‑tiger goal, so he ordered the Dewan to find a princess from a neighbouring state rich in tigers.
Q2. Attempt a character sketch of the Tiger King. (120-150 words) (CBSE 2020)
Answer:
The Tiger King, also known as Maharaja of Pratibandapuram, was a brave but foolish ruler. At birth, astrologers predicted he would die because of a tiger. To challenge fate, he began hunting tigers, believing he could escape death.
He was stubborn, proud, and power-hungry. He banned others from hunting and spent all his time chasing tigers. He didn’t care about his people and even risked his throne when he denied a British officer the right to hunt. He also bribed the officer’s wife with expensive rings to save his kingdom.
To complete his mission of killing 100 tigers, he even married for the sake of tigers and showed no real affection toward his family. Ironically, he was killed by a wooden toy tiger, showing that fate cannot be changed. His character shows how ego and arrogance can lead to downfall.
OR
The Tiger King, Maharaja Jilani Jung Jung Bahadur of Pratibandapuram, is proud, stubborn, and intensely superstitious. From birth, he is obsessed with an astrologer’s prophecy that he will die by a tiger. To cheat fate, he bans all tiger‑hunting except his own and personally slays hundreds of beasts. He wields his power to refuse even British officers, bribing them instead of yielding. When his local forests run out of tigers, he marries a princess from a tiger‑rich state just to continue his hunt. He is brave—facing charging tigers with only a gun or bare hands—but also reckless, ignoring his people and family. His pride leads him to believe he controls destiny until, in ironic twist, a harmless wooden toy tiger causes his death, proving both his folly and the limits of power.
Q3. Why did the Tiger King decide to kill a hundred tigers? Describe the efforts he made to attain his target.(120-150 words)(Delhi 2020)
Answer:
When the Tiger King was born, astrologers predicted that he would die because of a tiger. Determined to defeat fate, he took a vow to kill 100 tigers.
After becoming king, he banned all others from hunting and began killing tigers himself. He was overjoyed after killing the first tiger and called the astrologer to prove him wrong. The astrologer warned him to be careful of the hundredth tiger.
The Maharaja continued his mission and killed 70 tigers in his own state. When no more tigers were left, he married a princess from a state that had more tigers. He killed more tigers there and finally reached the count of 99.
Unable to find the last one, the Dewan arranged a tame zoo tiger, which the king shot but missed. The tiger was later killed secretly. The king believed he had succeeded, but fate had other plans.
OR
The Maharaja learned from astrologers at his birth that he would die because of a tiger. Believing that killing a hundred tigers would break this curse, he made it his life’s mission. First, he banned all subjects from hunting so he alone could slay tigers. He personally tracked and killed each beast, once even refusing a British officer’s hunt and later sending diamond rings worth three lakhs to save his throne. After he’d killed seventy tigers, local forests were empty, so he married a princess from a state with a large tiger population to gain fresh hunting grounds. When even that ran dry, his Dewan secretly brought a live tiger from Madras. The Maharaja shot at it—believing he had bagged the hundredth kill—while hunters later finished it off and hid the truth, allowing him to think his vow was fulfilled.
Q4. What was the prediction of the astrologers regarding the ultimate fate of the Tiger King? How did it come to be true? Describe with reference to the story. (120-150 words) (Outside Delhi 2020)
Answer:
At the time of the Tiger King’s birth, astrologers predicted that he would die because of a tiger. The ten-day-old baby surprised everyone by speaking and challenging the prediction.
Later, when he became king, he remembered this prophecy and decided to kill 100 tigers to avoid death. He successfully hunted 99 tigers and believed he had defeated fate.
However, the 100th tiger was only wounded, not killed. The king didn’t know this and celebrated his “victory.”
On his son’s birthday, he bought a wooden toy tiger, which had sharp splinters. One of the splinters pricked his hand, causing a serious infection. Even after surgery, the Maharaja died.
Thus, the astrologer’s prediction came true in an unexpected way — not by a real tiger, but by a wooden one, showing that fate cannot be escaped.
OR
Astrologers foretold at the prince’s birth that he would become a great warrior but would ultimately die because of a tiger. They warned that the “Hour of the Bull” birth sign made the tiger his mortal enemy. Obsessed with escaping this fate, the Maharaja hunted and killed ninety‑nine tigers, believing he had conquered destiny. Yet the prophecy came true in an unexpected way: on his son’s third birthday, he gifted the boy a small wooden tiger. A sharp splinter from the toy pierced his hand, causing a festering infection. Despite successful surgery, he died from this wound. Thus, though no real tiger struck him down, the “tiger” still claimed his life—proving the astrologers right and showing that fate can find its own path.
PYQs Asked in 2019 Board Exam from “The Tiger King”
Q1. What considerations influenced the Tiger King to get married? (40-50 words) (CBSE 2019, 18)
Answer:
The Tiger King decided to marry a princess from a state with a large tiger population. He had already killed 70 tigers in his own state, and no more were left. His main purpose behind marriage was not love, but to continue hunting tigers and fulfill the prophecy.
OR
After killing seventy tigers, the Maharaja’s own forests had none left. He needed more tigers to reach his hundred‑kill goal. So he married a princess from a neighbouring state known for its large tiger population, ensuring he could continue his hunts on each visit. (45 words)
Q2. What did the Maharaja do to find the required number of tigers to kill? (40-50 words) (CBSE 2019)
Answer:
When the Maharaja couldn’t find enough tigers in his own kingdom, he married a princess from a state that had many tigers. During each visit to his in-laws, he killed five or six tigers. In this way, he continued moving towards his goal of killing 100 tigers.
OR
He first banned all other hunters so only he could kill tigers. After seventy kills, his forests ran dry. To get more, he married a princess from a tiger‑rich state. When no wild tiger appeared for his hundredth kill, his Dewan secretly brought a tame zoo tiger for him to shoot. (46 words)
Q3. What made the chief astrologer place his finger on his nose? (40-50 words) (Delhi 2019)
Answer:
The chief astrologer was shocked and amazed when the ten-day-old royal baby spoke clearly and questioned his prediction. He could not believe that a newborn could talk and challenge him. Out of surprise, he placed his finger on his nose, a gesture to show disbelief.
OR
The chief astrologer was stunned when he heard the ten‑day‑old prince speak in clear words, question him, and mock common predictions. In utter disbelief at a newborn’s speech, he instinctively placed his finger on his nose, trying to convince himself it wasn’t real. (42 words)
Q4. What great miracle did the ten–day–old Jilani Jung Bahadur perform? How did it affect the people who listened to him? (40-50 words) (Delhi 2019)
Answer:
The ten-day-old prince spoke like an adult, calling the astrologers “wise prophets” and even asked about the manner of his death. This was a miracle as babies don’t talk at such age. The people around him were shocked and stunned by this unusual event.
OR
The infant prince spoke fluently at just ten days old, addressing the wise astrologers and challenging their predictions. His clear, intelligent words left everyone transfixed and speechless, blinking in astonishment at a newborn’s ability to talk and question learned men. (44 words)
Q5. How did the Tiger King ‘manage to kill’ the hundredth tiger ? (40-50 words) (Delhi, 2019)
Answer:
The Dewan secretly arranged an old, tame tiger from the zoo and placed it in the forest. The Tiger King shot at it and believed he had killed it, although the bullet had missed. Later, the hunters killed it quietly to protect their jobs.
OR
After shooting his hundredth tiger, he believed it was dead. In fact, the bullet had only made it faint. To prevent the Maharaja discovering his miss, a hunter crept close and fired a second shot at point‑blank range, truly killing the beast. (44 words)
Q6. Who actually killed the hundredth tiger in ‘The Tiger King’? Why? (40-50 words) (CBSE 2019)
Answer:
The hundredth tiger was actually killed by one of the king’s hunters, not the king himself. The Maharaja’s bullet had missed the tiger, and it had only fainted. To avoid losing their jobs, the hunters killed the tiger themselves and kept the truth hidden from the king.
OR
A royal hunter killed the tiger because it had only been knocked unconscious by the Maharaja’s shot. Fearing the Maharaja’s wrath and loss of their jobs, the hunter finished the job silently so the king would believe he had succeeded himself. (44 words)
Q7. Describe the efforts made by the Tiger King to achieve his target of killing a hundred tigers. (120-150 words) (Outside Delhi,2019)
Answer:
To avoid the prophecy that he would die because of a tiger, the Tiger King decided to kill 100 tigers. He banned all others from hunting and declared that only he would kill tigers in his kingdom.
He killed many tigers bravely, even fighting them with his hands when needed. After killing 70 tigers, the forests had no more left. So, the king married a princess from a state with a large tiger population. During every visit to his in-laws’ place, he hunted more tigers and soon reached a total of 99.
However, the 100th tiger was hard to find. To help the king, the Dewan brought a tame tiger from the zoo. The king shot it but missed. The hunters killed it later to protect their jobs, and the king believed he had completed his mission.
OR
From birth, he vowed to defeat a fatal prophecy by hunting a hundred tigers. As king, he banned all subjects from tiger‑hunting, ensuring only he could shoot them. He killed seventy in his own forests, then married a princess from a state with more tigers to extend his hunting grounds. When no wild tiger appeared for his final kill, his Dewan secretly brought a zoo tiger to the forest. The Maharaja shot and thought he had succeeded, but had missed; a hunter then killed it to spare the king’s pride. (139 words)
PYQs Asked in 2018 Board Exam from “The Tiger King”
Q1. What considerations influenced the Tiger King to get married ? (40-50 words) [Delhi, 2018]
Answer:
The Tiger King decided to marry a princess from a royal family of a state that had a large tiger population. His main motive behind the marriage was not love but to continue killing tigers. This helped him move closer to his goal of killing one hundred tigers.
OR
After killing seventy tigers, the Maharaja found his own forests empty. To continue his hunt, he chose a bride from a neighbouring state famous for its tiger population. His real motive was not love, but to gain access to fresh tiger habitats and fulfil his goal of killing a hundred tigers.
Q2. How did Tiger King succeed in killing ‘hundred’ tigers? (120-150 words) [Delhi 2018]
Answer:
The Tiger King was told by astrologers that he would die because of a tiger. To defeat this fate, he decided to kill one hundred tigers. He banned tiger hunting for everyone else and started hunting tigers himself. He successfully killed seventy tigers in his own kingdom.
When no more tigers were left there, he married a princess from another state with a good tiger population. On each visit to his in-laws, he killed more tigers and finally reached the count of ninety-nine.
The hundredth tiger couldn’t be found, so the Dewan secretly brought a tame tiger from the zoo. The king shot at it but missed. However, the hunters killed it quietly to hide the truth and save their jobs. The king believed he had killed all hundred tigers and fulfilled the prophecy.
OR
When astrologers warned that a tiger would cause his death, the Maharaja vowed to kill a hundred tigers. First, he banned everyone except himself from hunting in his forests and spent years killing seventy tigers. Finding no more beasts at home, he married a princess from a state with many tigers and killed five or six each time he visited, reaching ninety‑nine skins. Still short of one, his Dewan secretly brought a tame zoo tiger into the hunting ground. The Maharaja shot at it, believed he’d slain the beast, and celebrated. In reality, the tiger had only fainted and was later finished off by the hunters—who feared for their jobs—so quietly that the king never knew. Thus, he claimed his hundredth kill without realizing the deception.
PYQs Asked in 2017 Board Exam from “The Tiger King”
Q1. Which problem did the Maharaja face when he had killed seventy tigers? How did he solve it? (40-50 words) (CBSE 2017)
Answer:
After killing seventy tigers, there were no more tigers left in his kingdom. To continue his mission, the Maharaja married a princess from a state that had a large tiger population. During every visit, he hunted more tigers and moved closer to his target of one hundred.
OR
After seventy kills, no more wild tigers remained in his forests. Desperate to reach a hundred, he married a princess from a neighbouring state that still had many tigers. On each visit to his in‑laws’ forests, he hunted five or six more, steadily advancing toward his goal.
Q2. When did the Maharaja decide to double the land tax for a village? (40-50 words) [CBSE 2017)
Answer:
The Maharaja decided to double the land tax when he was frustrated about not finding the hundredth tiger. His anger grew with each passing day. To show his power and control, he ordered a sudden increase in land tax, causing fear among his officials and villagers.
OR
During his obsessive hunt for the hundredth tiger, villagers’ sheep were being killed. Enraged by the delay, the Maharaja summoned his Dewan, then at the height of his fury ordered the land tax to be doubled immediately, willing to punish any dissent until the tiger was found.
Q3. Why did the Maharaja decide to get married? (40-50 words) (CBSE 2017)
Answer:
The Maharaja got married to find more tigers to hunt. He chose a princess from a state with a large tiger population. The marriage was not for love, but to help him complete his mission of killing one hundred tigers and escape the prophecy of death.
OR
When his own forests ran out of tigers, the Maharaja still needed more to fulfil his vow. He chose a princess from a state rich in tigers so that, by marrying into that family, he could access new hunting grounds and continue killing tigers until he reached one hundred.
Q4. How does the hundredth tiger take its final revenge upon the Tiger King? (40-50 words) (CBSE (F) 2017, 2010)
Answer:
The hundredth tiger was not killed by the king, though he believed it was. Later, a wooden toy tiger caused a splinter to prick his hand. The wound got infected, and he died during surgery. Thus, the hundredth tiger took revenge in an unexpected way.
OR
After the king believed he had shot his hundredth tiger, he celebrated by gifting his son a wooden toy tiger. A sharp splinter from the toy pierced his hand, causing a fatal infection. When surgeons operated, they announced his death—thus the last “tiger” fulfilled the prophecy.
Q5. Why did the Maharaja have to pay a bill of three lakh rupees to the British jewellers? (40-50 words) (CBSE 2017)
Answer:
To please a British officer’s wife and avoid losing his kingdom, the Maharaja sent her fifty diamond rings, expecting her to return most. But she kept them all and sent a thank-you note. The jewellers then sent a bill of three lakh rupees, which the Maharaja paid.
OR
To placate a British officer denied a tiger hunt, the Maharaja sent fifty diamond rings to the officer’s wife. Expecting her to choose just a few and return the rest, he was surprised when she kept them all. The jewellers then billed him ₹300,000 for the entire lot.
Q6. How did Maharaja deal with a high-ranking British Officer who wanted to shoot a tiger? (40-50 words) (CBSE 2017)
Answer:
The Maharaja refused permission to the British officer, as he alone was allowed to hunt tigers. Even when the officer requested just a photo with a dead tiger, the king still denied it. To avoid trouble later, he sent expensive rings to the officer’s wife as a bribe.
OR
He refused permission outright, even for a photograph. To avoid British retaliation, he sent fifty diamond rings to the officer’s wife as gifts. She accepted them all, costing him three lakh rupees, but in return the Maharaja retained his throne and stopped the foreign hunt.
Q7. Why was the Maharaja once in danger of losing his kingdom? (40-50 words) (CBSE 2017)
Answer:
The Maharaja was in danger of losing his kingdom because he refused a British officer’s request to hunt tigers. The officer was powerful, and this refusal could lead to political trouble. To avoid the risk, the king sent valuable gifts to the officer’s wife and saved his throne.
OR
By denying a British officer the right to hunt tigers—an act the British considered their privilege—the Maharaja risked offending colonial officials. Such defiance could have led to the withdrawal of British support and the loss of his state, forcing him to make costly concessions to remain in power.
PYQs Asked in 2016 Board Exam from “The Tiger King”
Q1. What kind of life was enjoyed by crown prince Jung Bahadur, till he reached the age of twenty? (40-50 words) (CBSE 2016)
Answer:
Crown prince Jung Bahadur lived a luxurious and royal life. He was brought up in British style — drank the milk of an English cow, had an English nanny and tutor, and watched only English films. Like other Indian princes, he enjoyed comfort, care, and privilege till he turned twenty.
OR
The crown prince, Jilani Jung Jung Bahadur, was raised like other Indian rulers’ children: he drank milk from an English cow, was cared for by an English nanny, tutored by an Englishman, and watched only English films. He lived this sheltered, British‑influenced life until he became ruler at twenty.
Q2. How did the ten-day-old baby (the future Tiger King) react to the prediction about his future made by the astrologer? (40-50 words) (CBSE 2016)
Answer:
The ten-day-old baby surprised everyone by speaking clearly. He questioned the astrologer about how he would die, and even challenged the prediction. The astrologer was shocked by the baby’s bold and intelligent reaction, as no one expected a newborn to speak or show such awareness.
OR
At just ten days old, the infant surprised everyone by speaking clearly, calling the astrologers “wise prophets” and asking them to tell him how he would die. This sudden, intelligent response from a newborn astonished and silenced the royal court.
PYQs Asked in 2015 Board Exam from “The Tiger King”
Q1. Even today, so many among us believe in superstitions. An astrologer predicted about ‘the Tiger King’ that he would be killed by a tiger. He ‘killed’ one-hundred tigers, yet was himself ‘killed’ by a tiger. How did the superstitious belief prevail? (120-150 words) [CBSE 2015]
Answer:
In the story The Tiger King, the astrologers predicted that the king would die because of a tiger. The king tried everything to escape fate — he banned others from hunting, killed ninety-nine tigers himself, and even shot at the hundredth tiger.
However, that tiger didn’t die from his bullet. Later, the king bought a wooden toy tiger for his son. A small splinter from the toy pricked his hand, causing an infection. The wound turned serious, and he died after surgery.
This shows that even though he tried to avoid the prediction, it came true — in a strange and unexpected way. The story shows that superstitions may seem foolish, but sometimes belief in fate can have surprising endings. It reminds us that we cannot always control destiny.
OR
The Tiger King’s entire life was shaped by a single prophecy. From the moment astrologers declared that a tiger would cause his death, he became obsessed with outrunning fate. He banned all hunting except his own and vowed to kill one hundred tigers. Even when real tigers vanished, he married into another royal family just to find more beasts to shoot. His actions show how deeply he—and his court—believed the prediction. Ironically, he did slay ninety-nine real tigers and thought he had destroyed the curse. Yet, his end came through a wooden toy tiger: a splinter infected his hand, and he died after surgery. In this strange twist, superstition “prevailed” because it was never truly disproved; fate found its way, and the prophecy proved accurate in the most unexpected form.
Q2. Giving a bribe is an evil practice. How did the Tiger King bribe the British officer to save his kingdom? How do you view this act of his? (120-150 words) (CBSE 2015)
Answer:
In the story, a high-ranking British officer wanted to hunt a tiger in the king’s forest. The Tiger King refused because only he was allowed to kill tigers. This put his throne in danger, as denying a British officer could lead to political trouble.
To avoid conflict, the king sent 50 diamond rings worth three lakh rupees to the officer’s wife. He hoped she would choose one or two, but she kept all. The king had to pay the entire bill.
This act shows how rulers sometimes use public money for personal benefit, which is wrong. Giving bribes shows weakness, not smartness. Instead of taking a brave stand, the king chose to please the officer and save his position. It reflects the corruption and fear of colonial rule, but also reminds us that bribery is never a right solution.
OR
When a high‑ranking British officer demanded the right to hunt tigers in Pratibandapuram, the Maharaja knew refusal could cost him his throne. He firmly denied the request—even for a mere photograph—risking political disaster. To protect his kingdom, he sent fifty diamond rings (worth three lakh rupees) to the officer’s wife, expecting her to return most. Instead, she kept them all, and the king paid the full bill.
This act of bribery reveals the Maharaja’s moral weakness. Rather than negotiate fairly or uphold justice, he chose an unethical shortcut. While he may have saved his throne, he compromised his integrity and set a poor example. True leadership requires honesty and courage, not secret payoffs. His bribe restored political favor but at the cost of his ethical standing.
