Introduction
Tara is the queen of Kishkindha, the daughter of the physician Sushena. She was the wife of Vali and the mother of Angada, and after Vali's death she became the wife of Sugriva. She is known for her intelligence and her good advice.
This article primarily follows the Valmiki Ramayana. Where a well-known detail comes from a later retelling or tradition, the article identifies it.
Family
Advice to Vali
When Sugriva challenged Vali a second time, Tara warned her husband. She had heard that Sugriva had made friends with two powerful princes, and she urged Vali to make peace with his brother. Vali did not listen.
After Vali's death
Tara ran to the battlefield and found Vali dying. Her grief is one of the most moving passages of the Kishkindha Kanda. Rama comforted her, and at Vali's request, she and Angada were placed in Sugriva's care.
Calming Lakshmana
When Sugriva forgot his promise to Rama, Lakshmana came to Kishkindha furious. Tara went out to meet him and spoke gently, until his anger left him.
Married to Sugriva
After the coronation, Sugriva took Tara as his wife, in accordance with the custom of the Vanaras.