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Animism, Ancestors, and Rituals: A Study of Indigenous Religiosity in Indian Tribes

Author(s) Anand Kumar Matho, Aditi Rudra, Tanishk Kumar
Country India
Abstract This study examines the complex interplay of animism, ancestor veneration, and ritual practices among indigenous tribes in India. Moving beyond common misconceptions of these traditions as mere superstition, the study highlights how they constitute a sophisticated worldview rooted in deep ecological awareness and communal cohesion. Animism is explored as a living perspective in which spirits are believed to inhabit natural elements, fostering reciprocal relationships between humans and the environment. Ancestor worship is analysed as a dynamic force that maintains lineage continuity, social order, and intergenerational accountability through participatory rituals. The study also addresses the pressures these traditions face from colonial legacies, modern development, and globalization, which threaten to erode sacred spaces and spiritual practices. Nonetheless, the resilience of indigenous religiosity is observed in adaptive syncretism and on-going efforts to sustain cultural identity. Ultimately, the study argues that indigenous religious systems offer vital insights for contemporary discussions on environmental ethics, cultural preservation, and sustainable policy, underscoring the need to honour and integrate tribal voices in broader societal discourse.
Keywords Ancestor worship, Ritual practices, Superstition, Religious system, Cultural preservation.
Field Arts
Published In Volume 6, Issue 7, July 2025
Published On 2025-07-19
DOI https://doi.org/10.70528/IJLRP.v6.i7.2186
Short DOI https://doi.org/hb54g9

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