Question

Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank:
The last line of the extract reflects attitude of the British officers. (an oppressive/a courageous)

Answer 1

The correct answer is: an oppressive attitude.
The British officer's desire was not motivated by the love of hunting but by the wish to display dominance through a symbolic photograph. This demand, backed by a threat to the Maharaja’s kingdom, shows how colonial powers used personal whims to assert political control.

Answer 2

The durai wanted the photograph as a symbol of pride and status. He did not care about hunting the tiger himself but desired to be seen standing over the tiger’s carcass with a gun in hand. This would allow him to boast of his involvement in the hunt without actually participating in it. It highlights the superficial arrogance and performative nature of colonial authority.

Answer 3

(C) his ego and selfishness.
The Maharaja’s refusal was driven by his personal vow to kill all tigers himself and prove a prophecy wrong. It was less about the environment and more about fulfilling his own agenda. His unwillingness to compromise even for a photograph highlights his inflated ego and obsession with the prophecy.

Answer 4

Maharaja’s adamant and ego-driven action put his kingdom in danger.
By refusing even a symbolic request from a British officer, he risked offending colonial authorities, which could have had dire political consequences. His obsession with killing tigers and defending his pride overtook his political wisdom.