The term Adivasi means 'original inhabitants'. They are the communities who lived and often continue to live in close association with forests. Some of the features of Adivasis are as follows
• They practice a range of tribal religions.
• They worship nature, village and ancestral spirits.
• They have their own distinct languages. For example, the Santhali language has the largest number of speakers
• They have been influenced by surrounding religions such as Buddhists, Shakta, Vaishnav, etc.
• Their religions have also influenced dominant religions For example, Jagannath cult of Odisha and Shakti and tantric traditions in Bengal and Assam.