NEWS

Centre has refused to accept Odisha state demand of declaring Paika revolution as first war of independence

PAIKA BIDROHA

• Paika Bidroha/Paika Rebellion
• Took place in 1817 nearly 40 years before the first sepoy mutiny
• Paikas were peasant militas of the Gajapati rulers of Odisha who offered military services to the king.
• British established themselves in Odisha when the East India company dethroned the King of Khurda, Raja Mukunda Deva in 1803.
• In 1804, the king planned a rebellion against the British and roped in the Paikas for the same. But the plan was discovered by the British who confiscated his entire territory.
• Paikas lost their estates when the new colonial establishments and land revenue settlements of the British came into force.
• Continuous interference in the economy and revenue systems led to exploitation and oppression of the peasants and farmers eventually triggering a rebellion against the British.
• A large number of Paikas were mobilised under the leadership of Bakshi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar, who then confronted the British on April 2, 1817. A 400-strong party of Kandhas crossed over into Khurda from Ghumsur and declared rebellion.
• Government buildings in Banapur were set on fire, policemen killed and the British treasury looted.
• Over the next few months, the revolt continued but was eventually overpowered by the British army.
• Bidyadhar was imprisoned in 1825 and died while still in jail four years later. The rebellion was supressed