My research paper is based on some basic assumptions—that postcolonialism is the aftermath of the colonial period, that colonialism affected different classes in the same colonized country in different manners, that there are some positive results of colonization, like the emergence of marginal voices in the postcolonial period. These results must be considered while speaking about the relationship between colonizers and colonized, empowered colonized and powerless colonized. The postcolonial phase being an unending process records the emergence of those slave classes suppressed by the idea of double consciousness and then, being aware of it, revolting for their individuality and freedom from the imprisonment of tradition, working exactly in the wake of colonizers.
The paper traces the positive results of colonization in India on the Dalit class; colonialism in fact helped them emerge as a strong voice in the mainstream of Marathi literature. It surveys the rise of the Dalit movement, Dalit Ideology, the beginning of Dalit literature in Maharashtra, its major contributors, contributions, and aims. This emergence and strengthening of the marginal voice in the postcolonial period is possible only due to the use of literature as a weapon for asserting individuality, freedom and finding a suitable place in society.