The contribution of Saints
Justice M.G. Ranade in his book The Rise of Maratha Power comments on the role played by the saints thus: The saints reduced the inequality amongst various castes. By creating an atmosphere of equality in Maharashtra they prepared the ground, in which Shivaji Maharajcould sow the seed of freedom later. The creation of regional identity of Maharashtra and creation of literature in the regional languages were two major contributions of the Bhakti(devotion) cult propagated by the saints. The saints thus help shape the Maharashtrian culture. They propagated Vedic ideals in the local languages.
The Bhakti cult originated in the thirteenth century. It gave prime importance to Bhakti or devotion and considered it the only tool of attainment of God. The Bhagawat Dharma (religion) did not discriminate people on the basis of gender, caste, social or financial position. These ideas were propagated by Nath Panth, Mahanubhav and Warkari sects. Saint poets like Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Tukaram, Eknath, Narahari Sonar, Gora Kumbhar, Rohidasand Kanakdas, Kanhopatra, Janabai and Chokhamela enlightened Maharashtra.