Final answer:
The king did not allow Siddhartha to go outside the palace walls in order to protect him from the distractions of the outside world, maintain his contentment, and preserve his own authority.
Step-by-step explanation:
The king did not allow Siddhartha to go outside the palace walls for multiple reasons. One reason was to protect Siddhartha from the influence of the outside world and its distractions. The king wanted Siddhartha to stay within the palace and focus on the royal duties and responsibilities that awaited him as the prince.
Additionally, the king feared that if Siddhartha were to venture outside, he might become aware of the suffering and imperfections of the world, which could lead him to question his privileged life within the palace. By keeping Siddhartha sheltered from the outside world, the king hoped to maintain the prince's contentment and prevent him from seeking a different path.
Furthermore, by confining Siddhartha within the palace walls, the king maintained control over his son and ensured that he would be the sole authority in Siddhartha's life. The king did not want Siddhartha to gain knowledge or experiences that could challenge his own authority or the established order of the kingdom.