Explanation: The tribal life is characterized by many unique elements as outlined below:

1. Geographical Isolation: Isolation is one of the striking features of tribal communities. Most of the tribal communities live far away or remote from the mainstream. Many of them subsist on forest-based economies.
2. Homogeneous Ethnic group: The tribal communities are homogeneous in nature. The members of a tribal community follow the same culture. Their religion, customs, beliefs and practices, food habits and dress patterns are similar. The members of a tribal community possess a mutual sense of unity and ‘we’ feeling due to this homogenous outlook.
3. Definite Territory: The tribes inhabit and remain within a definite and common topography. In the absence of a common topography, the tribe would lose its characteristic features like community sentiments, language and ‘we’ feeling.
4. Endogamous group: The tribes are endogamous in nature. The members of a tribal group generally marry within their own group.
5. Direct Personal Relationship: Direct face-to-face and personal relationships are seen among the members of a tribal society. All the members of a tribal group know each other. The various social, economic and religious activities help the tribes to maintain their relationship.

Source: Kerala NCERT