Paika Rebellion to be added as case study in NCERT book

Paika Rebellion

• The Paika Rebellion, also called the Paika Bidroha, was an armed rebellion against Company rule in India in 1817.
• The Paikas rose in rebellion under their leader Bakshi Jagabandhu (hereditary chief of the militia army of the Gajapati King of Khurda Raja Mukunda Deva(a kingdom near Puri).
• Paikas projected Lord Jagannath as the symbol of Odia unity.
• It is often considered to be the first Indian armed movement to gain independence.

Who are Paikas?

The Paikas (pronounced “paiko”, literally ‘foot soldiers’) were the traditional landed militia of Odisha who served as warriors and were charged with policing functions during peacetime. They were recruited in the 16th century by kings in Odisha from a variety of social groups to render martial services in return for rent-free land (nish-kar jagirs) and titles.