Paika Rebellion of Odisha
Paika
Rebellion or Paika Bidroha took place in Odisha in the year 1817.Some historian considered this rebellion as the First
War of Indian Independence against the British Raj. Sepoy
Mutiny of 1857 or The Revolt of 1857 often regarded as First War of Indian Independence.
Who
were the Paikas?
Paikas were the peasant
militias of the Gajapati rulers of Odisha who rendered military service to the
king during times of war while taking up cultivation during times of peace.
Who was the leader of the Paikas Bidroha?
Baxi Jagandhu Bidyadhara the hereditary chief of the militia army
of the Gajapati King, was the main leader of the revolt under whom Paikas revolted against the British.
What were the causes of the Paikas Rebellion?
The main cause was occupation of Odisha by British in 1803 overthrowing the Khurda Rulers/ Gajapati Rulers. Gajapati Rulers were traditionally custodians of Jagannath Temple and ruled as the Deputy of Lord Jagannath on earth. The common people of odisha considered these rulers as the symbol of cultural and political freedom.
While occupying Odisha, the British forces faced stiff opposition from Jai Rajguru, the custodian of the Gajapati King of Odisha Mukunda Deva-II who was a minor at that time . Jai Rajguru was brutally murdered by the British forces. A few years later, in March, 1817 under Baxi Jagabandhu, Paikas taking support of tribals and other sections of society revolted against the British.
What was the result of the Paikas Rebellion?
The Paikas attacked British symbols of power torched the police stations, administrative offices and the treasury in Khurda, from where the British fled. The British were initially taken aback and faced stiff resistance from the rebelling Paikas. The British finally managed to defeat them within three months. Many rebels brutally suppressed, many killed and imprisoned. Baxi Jagabandhu was finally arrested in 1825 and died in captivity in 1829 and finally the rebellion came to an end.
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