• Dr. Y. Rajasekhar

The representation of marginalized people in literature is a vast, complex, and critically important topic. It's not just about if a group is represented, but how they are represented, who is doing the representing, and what impact that has on readers and culture at large. This study examines how literature represents marginalized communities across different geographies and historical moments. By synthesizing postcolonial theory, subaltern studies, race theory, disability studies, gender and queer theory, and scholarship on Indigenous and Dalit literatures, the paper analyzes strategies authors use to give voice, reclaim histories, and resist dominant narratives. Case studies include Dalit writing in India, African American literature, Indigenous literatures, queer literatures, and narratives of disability. The study argues that representation moves along a spectrum from mimicry and stereotype to resistance, self-representation, and epistemic refiguration — and that literary form itself is a site of political contestation. The study concludes with methodological reflections and recommendations for future research and pedagogy.

Marginalized communities, representation, subaltern, postcolonial, Dalit literature, Indigenous literature, African American literature, queer literature, disability studies, narrative voice

"Representation of Marginalized Communities in Literature — A Study", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 10, page no.d122-d126, October-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2510317.pdf

"Representation of Marginalized Communities in Literature — A Study", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 10, page no. ppd122-d126, October-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2510317.pdf