PAIKA REBELLION

Dec. 9, 2019

President Ram Nath Kovind laid the foundation stone for the Paika Memorial at the bottom of Barunei Hill in Odisha's Khurda district to mark 200 years of the Paika Rebellion, which is sometimes described as the first war of independence.

About:

  • It was an armed rebellion against the British East India Company's rule in Odisha in 1817, forty years before the revolt of 1857.

  • 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.

  • Key events of rebellion
    • In March 1817, The Paiks rose in rebellion under their leader Bakshi Jagabandhu and projected Lord Jagannath as the symbol of Odia unity.

    • The rebellion quickly spread across most of Odisha before being ruthlessly put down by the company's forces.

    • By May 1817, the British managed to re-establish their authority over the entire province, but it was a long while before the tranquillity finally returned to it.



  • Recognition: The Ministry of Culture has recognised the Paika Rebellion at the national level. The decision to commemorate the bi-centenary of the revolution was announced in the 2017-18 Budget Speech.