Disability, Gender, and Social Constructs in Mahesh Dattani’s Tara

Abstract

The paper aims to explore the dual marginalization of the disabled female protagonist, Tara, in the context of Indian society. By analyzing the play’s depiction of the unethical surgical decision favoring the male child, Chandan, the paper examines societal biases that devalue the disabled girl child. The study critiques ableism, patriarchy, and gender discrimination, highlighting how Tara challenges societal norms by presenting disability as a socio-cultural construct rather than a personal deficit, advocating for a more inclusive understanding of disability and gender.