The Tiger King

🇮🇳 India: The Tiger King, Kalki

Summary

The Tiger King by Kalki is a satirical short story set in pre-independence India. It tells the tale of the Maharaja of Pratibandapuram, a man obsessed with defying a prophecy made at his birth that he would be killed by a tiger.  Driven by this prediction, he dedicates his life to hunting and killing tigers, even neglecting his kingly duties and manipulating situations to achieve his goal. He manages to kill ninety-nine tigers, becoming renowned for his hunting prowess and earning the moniker "Tiger King."

However, his relentless pursuit blinds him to the true nature of life and death.  He believes he has cheated fate by eradicating the tiger population in his kingdom, but destiny, as it often does, has the last laugh.  Despite his efforts, he ironically meets his demise due to a seemingly insignificant wooden toy tiger, a birthday gift for his son. A sliver from the toy lodges in his hand, causing an infection that eventually proves fatal.

Kalki masterfully uses satire and irony to critique the arrogance of those in power and their futile attempts to control fate. The Tiger King's obsession with disproving the prophecy ultimately leads to his downfall, highlighting the absurdity of his actions and the inevitable nature of destiny. The story serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that pride and defiance against the natural order can have unforeseen and tragic consequences.

The Tiger King subtly underscores the socio-political climate of India during the British Raj. The Maharaja's eagerness to please the British officer by gifting him tiger skins for his wife reveals the power dynamics at play and the subservience of the Indian royalty to their colonial rulers. This adds another layer of complexity to the narrative, portraying the Maharaja not just as a victim of his own obsession but also as a product of his time.  

Discussion questions