Tara: A Mahratta Tale

"Tara: A Mahratta Tale" by Meadows Taylor is a historical novel that follows the journey of Tara, a young Brahmin girl in 19th-century India, as she navigates the complexities of widowhood and societal expectations. The story opens with the introduction of Tara and her family, particularly her father, Vyas Shastree, a respected Brahmin. As Tara prepares to go to the temple with her mother, the narrative portrays the burdens she carries as a widow and sets the stage for her internal fight between societal norms and her dreams. The narrative explores how she copes with duty, spirituality, and tradition within the rich culture and spiritual environment of the Deccan region, as she transforms to a priestess.