"FEMININE RESILIENCE IN MYTHOLOGY: TARA'S TRUCE UNVEILS HIDDEN NARRATIVES"

In an exclusive interview with renowned author Kavita Kané, we delve into the captivating world of her latest literary masterpiece, "Tara's Truce."

- Pria Raiyani and Swapna Peri

Set against the backdrop of Ayodhya's temple consecration, the novel offers a refreshing perspective, centering on the enigmatic character of Tara amidst the intricacies of Kishkindha's political landscape. As we unravel the motivations behind choosing Tara as the protagonist and the challenges of researching her role, Kavita Kané unveils the complexities of her narrative, where characters like Vali, Sugriv, and Ruma play pivotal roles alongside Tara. With insightful reflections on feminism in ancient texts and the humanization of deities, Kavita Kané provides a glimpse into her evolution as writer and the future of Indian fiction writing across diverse genres.

Experiencing Tara's Truce during the consecration of Ayodhya's temple adds an exciting dimension. What motivated your choice of Tara this time, and were there any particular reasons behind it?

Frankly, it was when I visited Hampi a few years ago and the stunning landscape blew my mind. Then I realized this was Kishkindha and this place deserves a story to be retold and who better can tell it than the queen of Kishkindha herself? A story of two brothers who became rivals told through the eyes of the woman they fought for. Hence Tara became the protagonist. Kishkindha too develops into a palpable character, a silent witness to the love and betrayal, war, and violence that erupts in this land. It becomes a parallel character in the story, with both Tara and Kishkindhaeach having their story to tell.

Tara's character in "Tara's Truce" is portrayed as a courageous woman managing the kingdom amidst ego clashes between the Vanara leaders. How difficult was it to carry a research on Tara and her role in the intricate dynamics of Kishkindha?