The Plot of Dattani’s “Tara”

In Tara Mahesh Dattani plays with the idea of female infanticide that is prevalent among the Gujaratis. His deep preoccupation with gender issues leads to the emergence of the idea of the twin side to one’s self – quiet literally embodied in one body and the separation that follows.

Chandan and Tara are conjoined twins. They must be separated for survival. The problem begins when it is recognized that it has been unequal, unfair operation. Even though the doctors were aware that the third leg would suit to Tara better than her brother, they took part in a conspiracy plotted by her family. As a result Chandan gets the second leg and Tara becomes a crippled.

Bharati, the mother of Tara, is anxious about the future of her daughter. She was afraid that the world would not accept Tara when she is a grown up. Her concerns and maternal love towards Tara becomes as part of the burden of guilt she possess.

Chandan enjoyed great preference, while Tara was left to enjoy the position of a subaltern. Tara was more enthusiastic and had high dreams and aspirations, which she couldn’t achieve since she was a handicapped. Bharati’s father further strengthened his indulgence for male grandchild by leaving his property after his demise to Chandan. When it comes to giving the education Tara’s father prefers only Chandan. If Tara had been given moral support by her parents, her life would not be the same.

It is noteworthy that discrimination against Tara continues even after her death. Chandan has changed their story into his own tragedy. He apologizes to Tara for doing so.

Tara is always discouraged, even though she is more intelligent, sharp and witty. Economic and cultural facts have been responsible for the pathetic status of the girl child. All these factors combine to create the social system in which the girl child has to live. Tara is killed by the social system, which controls the minds and actions of the people.