UNHEARED ECHOES: EXPLORING FEMALE SUBALTERNITY IN THE POSTCOLONIAL NARRATIVES OF TARA

Abstract

Mahesh Dattani, one of the most prominent dramatists of the contemporary era, is
known for his profound exploration of marginalized and less-privileged communities. As a
dramatist, actor, and director, Dattani addresses pressing and often taboo issues such as
homosexuality, gay relationships, gender inequality, and the plight of the minority
community. In his play Tara, Dattani critiques the prevailing socio-cultural system in India,
which imposes various limitations, constraints, and injustices on female children. Women are
often denied the freedom to think and act independently. Tara, a disabled girl and the
protagonist of the play, becomes a tragic victim of this oppressive system, enduring
prolonged suffering, humiliation, and ultimately, death. Through Tara, Dattani advocates for
the rights and dignity of women, emphasizing the need for gender equality and social justice