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The Tiger King
His Highness Jamedar-General, Khiledar-Major, Sata Vyaghra Samhari, Maharajadhiraja Visva Bhuvana Samrat, Sir Jilani Jung Jung Bahadur, M.A.D., A.C.T.C., or C.R.C.K.—the illustrious Tiger King—is born under an unlucky star, and is destined to die in the jaws of a tiger. Refusing to succumb to fate, the king embarks on a quest to defy destiny by eliminating every tiger in his path, vowing to stop at nothing until he reaches the fateful hundredth kill.
A satirical masterpiece, Kalki’s The Tiger King invites readers on a journey through the whimsical corridors of Pratibandapuram where titles are as abundant as the Maharaja’s ambition. The Maharaja’s quest for a hundred tiger kills takes a delightfully absurd turn, complete with prophetic astrologers, an innocent wooden toy, and a twist that leaves the Maharaja’s ego deflated. Expertly translated from the Tamil by Gowri Ramnarayan and delightfully illustrated throughout, The Tiger King is an entertaining and thought-provoking story of royal folly, showcasing Kalki’s sharp wit and humour.
A satirical masterpiece, Kalki’s The Tiger King invites readers on a journey through the whimsical corridors of Pratibandapuram where titles are as abundant as the Maharaja’s ambition. The Maharaja’s quest for a hundred tiger kills takes a delightfully absurd turn, complete with prophetic astrologers, an innocent wooden toy, and a twist that leaves the Maharaja’s ego deflated. Expertly translated from the Tamil by Gowri Ramnarayan and delightfully illustrated throughout, The Tiger King is an entertaining and thought-provoking story of royal folly, showcasing Kalki’s sharp wit and humour.
42 pages, Library Binding
First published April 5, 2024
About the author
Kalki Krishnamurthy
342 books905 followersTamil language Novel Writer, Journalist, Poet & Critic late Ramaswamy Aiyer Krishnamurthy also known as ‘Kalki’. He derived his pen name from the suffixes of his wife name Kalyani and his name Krishnamurthy in Tamil form கல்யாணி and கிருஷ்ணமூர்த்தி as Kalki (கல்கி). His name also represents “Kalki avatar”, the tenth and last avatar of the Hindu God Vishnu.
His writings includes over 120 short stories, 10 novelettes, 5 novels, 3 historical romances, editorial and political writings and hundreds of film and music reviews. Krishnamurthy’s witty, incisive comments on politics, literature, music and other forms of art were looked forward to with unceasing interest by readers. He wrote under the pen names of ‘Kalki’, ‘Ra. Ki’, ‘Tamil Theni’, ‘Karnatakam’ and so on.
The success that Krishnamurthy attained in the realm of historical fiction is phenomenal. Sixty years ago, at a time when the literacy level was low and when the English-educated Tamils looked down on writings in Tamil, Kalki’s circulation touched 71,000 copies – the largest for any weekly in the county then – when it serialised his historical novels. Kalki had also the genius to classify the historical and non-historical events, historical and non-historical characters and how much the novel owes to history.
His writings includes over 120 short stories, 10 novelettes, 5 novels, 3 historical romances, editorial and political writings and hundreds of film and music reviews. Krishnamurthy’s witty, incisive comments on politics, literature, music and other forms of art were looked forward to with unceasing interest by readers. He wrote under the pen names of ‘Kalki’, ‘Ra. Ki’, ‘Tamil Theni’, ‘Karnatakam’ and so on.
The success that Krishnamurthy attained in the realm of historical fiction is phenomenal. Sixty years ago, at a time when the literacy level was low and when the English-educated Tamils looked down on writings in Tamil, Kalki’s circulation touched 71,000 copies – the largest for any weekly in the county then – when it serialised his historical novels. Kalki had also the genius to classify the historical and non-historical events, historical and non-historical characters and how much the novel owes to history.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 27, 2023
A short story about a king who, it is foretold, will kill ninety-nine tigers, but the hundredth... it's left at that. So Jung Jung Bahadur, the imperious 'tiger king', sets out to kill the ninety-nine tigers due to him. And a hundredth, never mind the ominous tones of that prophecy.
A brilliant satire about the uselessness of political power, of the hollowness of sycophancy, and more. It's all a farce, from the reason for the Tiger King marrying the woman he does, to what happened to that hundredth tiger, but all of it pokes fun at graver matters.
A brilliant satire about the uselessness of political power, of the hollowness of sycophancy, and more. It's all a farce, from the reason for the Tiger King marrying the woman he does, to what happened to that hundredth tiger, but all of it pokes fun at graver matters.
May 20, 2024
The Tiger King by Kalki Krishnamurthy is a satirical masterpiece that offers a scathing critique of unchecked power and blind ambition. Set in the fictional kingdom of Pratibandapuram, the story follows the absurd exploits of its eccentric ruler, Maharaja Raja Raja Raja Dhiraja Bhupati, who becomes obsessed with surpassing the record for tiger hunting.Through the character of the Tiger King, Kalki explores themes of vanity and the consequences of unbridled ambition. Despite the Maharaja's relentless pursuit of glory, his actions ultimately lead to his downfall, highlighting the folly of pride and the emptiness of worldly pursuits. This a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of power and the importance of humility and self-awareness keeping destiny as a reminder. .
These are timeless works of literature that continue to captivate and inspire audiences worldwide and I loved re reading them.
These are timeless works of literature that continue to captivate and inspire audiences worldwide and I loved re reading them.
August 12, 2016
Small, humorous and well written.
The Tiger King is one of most perfectly written short story, I have ever read. Its commentary on ways of Indian Kings during British rule is great - including the pun at very beginning on name of king, the legends that get formed around the king's nature, his blind passion for killing tigers which brought him troubles several times, the truths behind behavior of Royalty and British administration's acts of vanity; and the irony brought in the climax (Which by the way is also a pun on medical practices). All this is composed into a shorty story which is nicely paced and hilarious - enjoyable to anyone who loves reading and has a sense of humor.
The Tiger King is one of most perfectly written short story, I have ever read. Its commentary on ways of Indian Kings during British rule is great - including the pun at very beginning on name of king, the legends that get formed around the king's nature, his blind passion for killing tigers which brought him troubles several times, the truths behind behavior of Royalty and British administration's acts of vanity; and the irony brought in the climax (Which by the way is also a pun on medical practices). All this is composed into a shorty story which is nicely paced and hilarious - enjoyable to anyone who loves reading and has a sense of humor.
April 22, 2024
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“The Tiger King” is a captivating tale that takes young readers on an exciting journey through the vibrant landscapes of ancient South India. Illustrated with stunning visuals, this picture book brings to life the majestic Chola dynasty and its legendary ruler, Emperor Rajendra Chola I.
Through colorful illustrations and engaging storytelling, children will learn about the thrilling adventures of Emperor Rajendra as he navigates the challenges of ruling his kingdom and encounters wild tigers in the jungle. The book beautifully captures the essence of historical India, immersing young readers in a world of ancient palaces, lush forests, and majestic beasts.
With its enchanting illustrations and gripping narrative, “The Tiger King” sparks the imagination of young readers and instills a sense of wonder about the rich tapestry of Indian history. It teaches valuable lessons about courage, leadership, and the importance of protecting wildlife. Overall, “The Tiger King” is a delightful picture book that entertains, educates, and inspires children of all ages. It’s a must-have addition to any young reader’s library, offering a fascinating glimpse into the wonders of ancient India.
“The Tiger King” is a captivating tale that takes young readers on an exciting journey through the vibrant landscapes of ancient South India. Illustrated with stunning visuals, this picture book brings to life the majestic Chola dynasty and its legendary ruler, Emperor Rajendra Chola I.
Through colorful illustrations and engaging storytelling, children will learn about the thrilling adventures of Emperor Rajendra as he navigates the challenges of ruling his kingdom and encounters wild tigers in the jungle. The book beautifully captures the essence of historical India, immersing young readers in a world of ancient palaces, lush forests, and majestic beasts.
With its enchanting illustrations and gripping narrative, “The Tiger King” sparks the imagination of young readers and instills a sense of wonder about the rich tapestry of Indian history. It teaches valuable lessons about courage, leadership, and the importance of protecting wildlife. Overall, “The Tiger King” is a delightful picture book that entertains, educates, and inspires children of all ages. It’s a must-have addition to any young reader’s library, offering a fascinating glimpse into the wonders of ancient India.
May 7, 2024
Title: The Tiger King
Author: Kalki Translated by Gowri Ramnarayan
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
"The Tiger King," originally penned by the esteemed Tamil writer Kalki, is an incisive satire that deftly explores the absurdity of autocracy, the follies of hubris, and the unpredictable tapestry of fate. This literary gem, translated into English by Gowri Ramnarayan, invites readers to traverse the labyrinthine corridors of Pratibandapuram, where eccentricity and excess reign supreme, cloaked in the veneer of royal grandeur.
At the heart of the story is Sir Jilani Jung Jung Bahadur, the eponymous "Tiger King," a figure as imposing in title as he is in ego. His appellations—“Jamedar-General, Khiledar-Major, Sata Vyaghra Samhari, Maharajadhiraja Visva Bhuvana Samrat”—are both comically excessive and emblematic of the unchecked power that he wields. Kalki uses this overabundance of titles to underscore the ludicrousness inherent in monarchical systems where self-importance and despotism go hand in hand.
The Maharaja’s tale unfolds in an allegorical fashion, blending elements of fable and satire with surgical precision. Kalki constructs an environment where the absurd becomes plausible, weaving a narrative that is at once surreal and satirical. The Maharaja's quest to defy fate—a prophecy that foretold his demise at the jaws of a tiger—propels him on a maniacal journey of tiger hunting, ultimately aiming for a round figure of one hundred kills. This quixotic odyssey is a vivid commentary on the lengths to which those in power will go to subvert destiny, often to the detriment of others.Kalki's use of irony is nothing short of masterful. As the Maharaja hunts tigers with reckless abandon, he becomes emblematic of human arrogance, a figure so intoxicated with his own power that he believes he can control the uncontrollable.
It stands as a timeless critique of authoritarianism and human folly. Kalki's narrative, with its layers of irony, humor, and symbolism, resonates with contemporary themes of ecological conservation and the perils of unbridled power. This book is a must-read for those who appreciate incisive satire & are drawn to stories that challenge societal norms with wit.
Author: Kalki Translated by Gowri Ramnarayan
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
"The Tiger King," originally penned by the esteemed Tamil writer Kalki, is an incisive satire that deftly explores the absurdity of autocracy, the follies of hubris, and the unpredictable tapestry of fate. This literary gem, translated into English by Gowri Ramnarayan, invites readers to traverse the labyrinthine corridors of Pratibandapuram, where eccentricity and excess reign supreme, cloaked in the veneer of royal grandeur.
At the heart of the story is Sir Jilani Jung Jung Bahadur, the eponymous "Tiger King," a figure as imposing in title as he is in ego. His appellations—“Jamedar-General, Khiledar-Major, Sata Vyaghra Samhari, Maharajadhiraja Visva Bhuvana Samrat”—are both comically excessive and emblematic of the unchecked power that he wields. Kalki uses this overabundance of titles to underscore the ludicrousness inherent in monarchical systems where self-importance and despotism go hand in hand.
The Maharaja’s tale unfolds in an allegorical fashion, blending elements of fable and satire with surgical precision. Kalki constructs an environment where the absurd becomes plausible, weaving a narrative that is at once surreal and satirical. The Maharaja's quest to defy fate—a prophecy that foretold his demise at the jaws of a tiger—propels him on a maniacal journey of tiger hunting, ultimately aiming for a round figure of one hundred kills. This quixotic odyssey is a vivid commentary on the lengths to which those in power will go to subvert destiny, often to the detriment of others.Kalki's use of irony is nothing short of masterful. As the Maharaja hunts tigers with reckless abandon, he becomes emblematic of human arrogance, a figure so intoxicated with his own power that he believes he can control the uncontrollable.
It stands as a timeless critique of authoritarianism and human folly. Kalki's narrative, with its layers of irony, humor, and symbolism, resonates with contemporary themes of ecological conservation and the perils of unbridled power. This book is a must-read for those who appreciate incisive satire & are drawn to stories that challenge societal norms with wit.
April 29, 2013
Many a slip between the cup and the lip
January 1, 2025
3.5 stars
April 19, 2024
Didn’t do anything for me. Neither the story nor the characters piqued my interest. The illustrations too were strictly okay.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews