Author(s): Shalini Chauhan, Prof. Neeta

Abstract: Mahesh Dattani occupies a very high place among the contemporary Indian English dramatists. His plays are the authentic portrayal of the sufferings of the marginalized sections of society. He enlarged the scope of Indian English drama by writing plays on the controversial social issues. The issue of gender marginality emerges as the main theme in most of his plays. It is a practice by which individuals of certain genders are deliberately pushed to the margins of society. They are denied equal participation in the important spheres of life. In Indian social structure the position of women and third genders is marginalized. They are not allowed to enjoy equal rights. The position of third genders in society is worse than untouchables. In spite of some legal decisions in favor of the transsexuals the community is not accepted by majority of population. The social stigma associated with the third genders is the main cause of their rejection. Through his plays Tara and Seven Steps Around the Fire Mahesh Dattani raises his voice against this unjust treatment of women and third genders in society. He wants every individual to enjoy equal rights without any kind of discrimination. This research article aims to explore the marginalized status of the women and eunuchs in Indian social hierarchy through critical analysis of Dattani’s play Tara and Seven Steps Around the Fire.

Keywords: Gender, Marginality, Patriarchy, Stigma, Third gender, Social Hierarchy

Article Info: Received: 04 May 2026; Received in revised form: 28 May 2026; Accepted: 02 Jun 2026; Available online: 07 Jun 2026

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.113.53