The Tiger King - Vistas - Class 12 - CBSE English

Kalki Krishnamurthy, born Ramaswamy Aiyer Krishnamurthy (1899-1954), was a prominent Indian writer, poet, journalist, and critic hailing from Tamil Nadu. He is best known for his historical novels, and short stories, and for founding the Tamil-language magazine, Kalki. Krishnamurthy adopted the pen name "Kalki" after the divine figure Kalki, who is prophesied to appear at the end of the Kali Yuga, the present epoch in Hinduism.

Kalki Krishnamurthy made significant contributions to modern Tamil literature. His historical novels, such as "Ponniyin Selvan" and "Sivakamiyin Sabadham," are highly regarded and have been adapted into various media, including television series, stage plays, and comics. These novels depict the lives of historical figures and are celebrated for their rich storytelling, vivid descriptions, and accurate historical context.

Apart from historical novels, Kalki also wrote social novels, such as "Thyaga Bhoomi" and "Kalki," which addressed contemporary social issues and showcased his progressive thinking. As a journalist, he founded the popular Tamil weekly magazine, Kalki, which featured serialized stories, poetry, and articles on various subjects. The magazine remains in circulation today and is a testament to Kalki Krishnamurthy's enduring legacy in Tamil literature and journalism.

1. Fate and Destiny:
   The central theme of "The Tiger King" is the inescapability of fate and destiny. Despite the Maharaja's best efforts to defy the prophecy that he will die at the hands of a tiger, his destiny eventually catches up with him. The story demonstrates that no matter how much effort one puts into altering their fate, it may still manifest in unexpected ways, as seen with the wooden tiger toy that ultimately causes the Maharaja's death.
2. Pride and Obsession:
   Another central theme in the story is the destructive nature of pride and obsession. The Maharaja's determination ....

The plot of "The Tiger King" revolves around the life of Maharaja Jung Bahadur, a king who is determined to defy the prophecy that he will die at the hands of a tiger. The story follows his efforts to kill one hundred tigers in an attempt to prove the prophecy wrong, while also showcasing the consequences of his obsession and the underlying themes.

The plot can be broken down into the following key points:

1. Introduction of the prophecy: The story begins with the birth of the future Maharaja and the prophecy that he will die at the hands of a tiger. From a young age, the Maharaja is determined to prove this prediction wrong.
2. The tiger hunting ban and the Maharaja's obsession: As the Maharaja comes into power, he bans tiger hunting for anyone.......

1. "The astrologer himself, when he grew up, confirmed the truth of this prediction by studying the horoscope." - This line is important because it introduces the prophecy that the Maharaja will die at the hands of a tiger, setting the stage for the central conflict of the story.
2. "He refused to leave the forest until the tiger was found." - This line highlights the Maharaja's stubbornness and obsession with....