PAIKA REBELLION
1. Context
The Centre through a written reply in the Rajya Sabha Thursday said the Paika rebellion cannot be called the first War of Independence. Union Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy stated this in a written reply to a question by BJD MP Prashanta Nanda. Since 2017, Odisha has demanded that the rebellion of Odisha be declared as the first war of Independence. At present, the Indian Mutiny or Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 is called the first war of Independence against British Rule
2.What is the Paika Rebellion?
- The Paika Bidroha, occurring about 40 years prior to the initial sepoy mutiny, involved the peasant militias serving the Gajapati rulers of Odisha, providing military assistance to the king.
- The British presence in Odisha began with the East India Company's removal of Khurda's King, Raja Mukunda Deva, in 1803. In 1804, the king devised a rebellion against the British, engaging the Paikas in the plan. However, the British discovered the scheme and seized his entire territory.
- With the advent of the new colonial regime and British land revenue systems, the Paikas lost their estates.
- The British interference in economic and revenue matters led to exploitation and oppression of peasants and farmers, eventually sparking a rebellion. Under Bakshi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar's leadership, a significant number of Paikas mobilized and confronted the British on April 2, 1817.
- A group of 400 Kandhas crossed into Khurda from Ghumsur, initiating the rebellion. The uprising rapidly spread throughout the state, resulting in multiple clashes between the British and the Paika forces.
- The revolt included the burning of government buildings in Banapur, the killing of policemen, and the looting of the British treasury. Despite continuing for several months, the rebellion was eventually quelled by the British army. Bidyadhar was imprisoned in 1825 and passed away four years later while still in jail
3. Who Were the Paikas?
- The Paikas were essentially peasant militias or warrior classes in the region of Odisha, India. They held a significant role in the socio-political landscape of Odisha, primarily serving the Gajapati rulers (the local kings of Odisha) in military capacities.
- The term "Paika" is derived from the Sanskrit word "Pada" which means "foot soldier" or "infantryman." These militias were skilled in combat, and their duties included not only military service but also protection of the land, villages, and administration of local justice.
- Under the traditional system, the Paikas were obliged to render military service to the Gajapati rulers in return for land grants or other privileges. They were organized into units and were considered crucial for the defense of the region against external threats.
- During times of war, these Paikas formed the backbone of the Gajapati army, displaying their martial prowess and loyalty to the local rulers. However, with the advent of British colonial rule and the imposition of new administrative structures, the significance and role of the Paikas underwent changes. The British disrupted the traditional systems, leading to the decline of their status and influence.
- The Paikas' discontent over the loss of their traditional rights and estates due to British policies played a pivotal role in triggering the Paika Rebellion of 1817, where they rose against the British East India Company's authority in a significant anti-colonial uprising
4.Causes of Paika rebellion
- The imposition of British rule disrupted the established socio-political and economic structures in Odisha. The British dismantled traditional governance systems, including the land revenue system, which directly impacted the status and livelihoods of the Paikas and other local communities
- The British policies led to the confiscation of land and estates that were traditionally held by the Paikas. The loss of their landholdings deprived them of their primary source of income and status, causing significant discontent among the Paika warriors
- The British administration introduced new revenue systems that often exploited the peasants and farmers, imposing heavy taxes and levies. This economic oppression aggravated the grievances of the Paikas and other local communities, leading to widespread discontent
- The rebellion was also a response to the growing resentment towards British authority and interference in local governance. The Paikas, along with other discontented groups, sought to resist and challenge the dominance of the British East India Company
- The leadership of figures like Bakshi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar played a crucial role in mobilizing the Paikas against the British. Bidyadhar rallied the discontented Paikas and other locals to resist the British rule and reclaim their lost rights and autonomy
- The rebellion also had cultural and regional dimensions. It represented a struggle to preserve the traditional identity and autonomy of the Odia people against external colonial forces
5. Significance of the Paika rebellion
- It is regarded as one of the earliest uprisings against British colonial rule in India, predating the more widely known sepoy mutiny by nearly four decades. This rebellion symbolizes resistance to British expansionism and their interference in local governance
- The rebellion stemmed from socio-economic grievances caused by the British policies, particularly the disruption of the traditional land revenue systems. The loss of estates and economic exploitation of peasants and farmers led to widespread discontent, highlighting the impact of British policies on local livelihoods
- The Paika Rebellion showcased the power and resilience of indigenous peasant militias like the Paikas who were traditionally engaged in military service for local rulers. It illustrates how these groups mobilized against the colonial forces to protect their interests and resist oppression
- The rebellion's rapid spread across Odisha demonstrates its widespread support and the resonance of anti-colonial sentiments among various sections of society beyond just the immediate participants
- The rebellion remains a symbol of Odia pride and resistance against foreign rule. It has been celebrated and remembered through various cultural and historical commemorations, contributing to the preservation of Odisha's heritage and identity
6.What was Odisha’s demand?
- In 2017, the Odisha state cabinet, led by CM Naveen Patnaik, passed a resolution for the first time, urging the central government to officially recognize the Paika Rebellion as India's inaugural war of independence.
- Patnaik, in a letter to the then Home Minister Rajnath Singh, appealed for the Government of India to consider this request positively. He emphasized the significance of acknowledging these events accurately to comprehend India's struggle for freedom and its historic liberation from foreign rule.
- The state cabinet's proposal characterized the rebellion as a widespread movement, citing it as the primary fight for freedom against foreign dominion, with active participation from the people of Odisha.
- Additionally, in 2019, CM Patnaik reiterated this demand during the laying of the foundation stone for the Paika Rebellion memorial at Barunei, a sentiment echoed by President Ram Nath Kovind
7.What has been the Centre’s response?
The proposal underwent review by the Central government, which assessed the matter in collaboration with the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), operating under the Ministry of Human Resource Development (now rebranded as the Ministry of Education). Based on ICHR's recommendations, the Union Culture Minister conveyed to the Rajya Sabha that the Paika Rebellion could not be officially termed as the initial War of Independence.
Nevertheless, acknowledging the significance of the rebellion that persisted from 1817 to 1825 as a pivotal moment in the series of uprisings against British rule in India, the minister declared its inclusion in the Class VIII history curriculum of NCERT. This decision aimed to recognize the rebellion's role as one of the early popular movements against British colonialism, despite it not being designated as the first War of Independence
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Previous Year Questions
1.The Paika Rebellion was led by: (SSC JE CE 2019) A.Bakshi Jagabandhu B.Titu Mir C.Kanhu D.Sidhu Answer (A)
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Source: Indianexpress
