Chapter 2 of the NCERT Class 12 English Vistas book is titled The Tiger King by Kalki. It’s a satirical story based on a fictional king’s obsession with killing tigers to escape a predicted death. While the story might sound like a tale from olden times, it has deeper meanings about power, pride, and fate. Students often look for the official NCERT PDF along with a simple explanation and summary for board exam preparation. This post brings everything together for easy understanding and access.
I’m writing this article because I remember how tricky this chapter felt when I first read it. It looks like a funny story on the surface, but the hidden meaning behind the king’s actions is what really matters. Students usually struggle with understanding the satire and irony used by the writer. This chapter is also important from the board exam point of view, as questions are regularly asked from this story in both short and long formats. So, this post is for students who want a clear overview of The Tiger King, along with the NCERT PDF link and study tips to prepare better.
Chapter Overview: What is “The Tiger King” About?
The Tiger King tells the story of the Maharaja of Pratibandapuram, who is warned at birth that he will die because of a tiger. To change his fate, he starts hunting and killing tigers across his kingdom. The story shows how far he goes, even misusing his power, to avoid the prophecy. But in the end, irony wins—he is killed not by a real tiger, but by a wooden toy tiger.
This tale is more than just a humorous story. It criticises the blind arrogance of rulers, the misuse of royal power, and human attempts to change destiny.
Main Characters:
- The Maharaja (Tiger King) – The proud and superstitious king obsessed with killing tigers
- British Officer – Represents the colonial mindset and adds another layer of satire
- Dewan (Minister) – The king’s right-hand man, often caught in awkward situations due to the king’s tiger hunt
Key Themes:
- Satire on monarchy and power
- Human pride vs fate
- Cruelty towards animals
- The irony of life and death
This story uses humour to make serious points, which is why it’s different from other chapters in the book.
Why This Chapter is Important for Students
- Common in exams: Long answer and value-based questions often come from this story
- Teaches critical thinking: Understanding satire and irony is important for future studies
- Moral takeaway: Warns about arrogance and disrespect for nature
- Improves English: The language used is a mix of formal and playful, which helps build vocabulary
Many teachers also use this chapter to explain how literature can reflect social and political issues through storytelling.
Download PDF
You can get the official NCERT Class 12 English Vistas Chapter 2 PDF from here:
