The word 'Adivasi' was used for the first time to refer to the tribal people by

The term 'Adivasi' (meaning 'original inhabitants' in Sanskrit) was first used systematically by Thakkar Bappa (Amritlal Vithaldas Thakkar), a prominent social reformer and advocate for tribal rights in the early 20th century. He worked extensively for the welfare of tribal communities and popularized the term to refer to India's indigenous tribal populations. While Gandhi, Phule, and Ambedkar all worked for marginalized communities, Thakkar Bappa is specifically credited with the systematic use of 'Adivasi' for tribal peoples.