Paika Rebellion - Causes, Important Leaders, Course and Outcomes

The Paika Rebellion was an armed uprising in the Khurda district of Odisha which took place in 1817. The Revolt is the first war of independence against the colonial Empire under Bakshi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar. 

The topic of paika revolt is important from the perspective of the UPSC IAS examination, and it falls under General Studies Paper 1, particularly under the History Section. 

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This article will discuss the Paika rebellion, its causes, history, reasons, and outcome for UPSC Exam.

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Recent News On Paika Rebellion

• Recently, People belonging to the community held a rally in the capital city of Bhubaneswar, demanding the recognition of the Paika rebellion against the British as India’s first war of independence.
• Currently, the ‘Sepoy Mutiny’ is the first major uprising in the country against the British. The Paika rebellion preceded the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 by at least 40 years, and from this, the demand for recognising this as India’s first war of independence rose.
• The Centre has, however, said the rebellion can not be called the ‘First War of Independence’ but yielded that the war “set an example for the classes as well as the masses in India to follow later on.”

What was Paika Rebellion?

The Paika Rebellion, also known as the Paika Bidroha or the Paika Uprising, was an armed revolt against British colonial rule in India. It occurred in 1817 in the region of Odisha (formerly known as Orissa), which was then under British control. 

Who Were the Paikas?

In the state of Odisha, the Paikas were the traditional militia community. The militia class of Odisha is exclusively referred to as Paika. Before 1568, Paikas were involved in farming during peace and acted as a defence mechanism for powerful mercenaries during war. The Paika regiments were created to defend themselves when the enemy attacked. The Paikas received free land for military purposes from the ruler of Khurda.

The Paikas were organised into three distinguished ranks in terms of the occupations and the weapons they held as follows:

• The Paharis were bearers of shields and the Khanda sword.
• The Banuas led expeditions and were experts in using matchlocks.
• The Dhenkiyas performed different duties in the Odisha Army.

The conquest of the region of Odisha by the East India Company in 1803 dethroned the King of Khurda, which led to the decline of the power and Prestige of the Paikas.

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Causes of the Paika Rebellion

The causes of the Paika Rebellion are as follows:

• A new Currency System was adopted in 1808, and from ancient times the medium of exchange was “COWRY” (a small sea mollusc), unlike the metallic coins in vogue. Revenue collection was started in the shape of the rupee (One rupee = 5120 cowries), which increased people's misery.
• In 1803, the Britishers from the Marathas occupied the state of Odisha. After taking over Orissa, the Britishers introduced a system of administration that led to frustration in the king of Khurda Mukunda Deva II.
• The King of Khurda, Mukunda Deva II, was dethroned from his seat. This reduced the power and prestige of the Paikas.
• The revenue policy of the East India Company further caused resentment among the Zamindars and the peasants alike
• The common masses were affected due to the composition of taxes imposed on salt, which led to the price rise.
• Abolition of cowrie currency and requirement of payment of taxes in silver.
• Introduction of new currencies system operation of the bicars in the hands of the company officials.
• The monopoly of a defective Salt Policy was introduced in 1804, affecting the coastal area Salt producers’ rights and the common consumer at high prices.
• The Judicial System: It was complex and baffling for common people who were ignorant of the system and exploited by Vakeels or Amlas.
• The Darogas and Jamadars of the Police Stations were cruel and oppressive and caused resentment among people.
• Amlas acquired huge wealth by utilizing their position and were engaged in private trade. The oppressive measure ruined the means of livelihood.
• Outsiders replaced all Odia experienced officers. This created discontentment.
• The wealthy local administrators and the peasants were alienated from the East India Company since the rent-free land was taken back from them after the conquest of Khurda.

Important leaders of the Paika Rebellions

Bakshi Jagabandhu, the previous Bakshi or leader of the Raja of Khurda’s army, led the Paika Rebellion. The Paikas grouped under his leadership when the uprising started in March 1817. Another one of the Paika rebels’ leaders was Raja Mukunda Deva, the previous King of Khurda.

With participation from feudal chiefs, paikrays’ zamindars, and Local people of Odisha, the uprising had broad support in Oriya society. The Paikas had the backing of the zamindars of Karipur, Mrichpur, Golra, Balarampur, Budnakera, and Rupasa. Banapur and Khurda were the starting points of the uprising, but it swiftly expanded to other areas of Odisha, including Puri.

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Course of Paika Rebellion

The Raja of Khurda organised the Paika Rebellion in 1804 against the corporation allied with the Paikas. The former Raja of Khurda organised the uprising to win the support of the Garjat Chiefs and the people of Odisha. Bakshi Jagabandhu, the military chief of the Raja of Khurda's army, led the uprising. He intended to have open relationships with people from all backgrounds, regardless of caste, creed, or religion.

When Paikas revolted, Bakshi was their natural leader. He sent letters on palm leaf to Ghumsar, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj Rajas to join the revolt. In the last part of March 1817, about 400 rebel Kandha Chohars equipped with their traditional arms reached Khurda. Paikas of Khurda and their leaders, the Dalabeheras joined them under the leadership of Jagabandhu.

On the First of April, 1817, the great Paika Rebellion was heralded. They attacked the Police Station of Banapur, burnt Govt. quarters, killed 100 men, and looted money from the Government treasury. Then they proceeded to Khurda. On the way, a huge number of people joined them. They set fire to the Govt. offices and looted the Government treasury.

The army force sent to Khurda was defeated, and the leader was killed. The Zamindars, with some Salt workers, joined the rebellion. Ultimately the rebels proved to be no match for the alien force and were driven away. Martial Law was proclaimed, and steps were taken to prevent the spread of revolt. The rebellion was suppressed by the end of May 1817.

Rebels tried to rescue the Raja from the custody of the troops but failed. Nineteen rebels were killed. The Paikas avoided the frontal attacks and resorted to guerrilla warfare, hiding in forests. In the underground activities, the rebels started arson, dacoity, and murder and obstructed revenue collection. 

Jagabandhu and his followers were forced to surrender. Govt. confiscated their properties in 1825. In the absence of any logistic support, guerrilla Warfare that continued till 1826 ceased. Jagabandhu, the hero of Odisha's first great political upheaval, breathed his last on 24th January 1829.

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Outcomes of the Paika Rebellion

The Khurda uprising in Odisha from 1817 to 1826 marked India's earliest substantial political agitation. It stood out among numerous regional conflicts during that time. The uprising led to significant achievements, including substantial reductions in arrears, assessments, and suspending defaulters' property sales. A new agreement introduced fixed tenures and other progressive government measures. Unfortunately, priests from the Puri temple who supported Jagabandhu were apprehended and executed. The revenue and taxation system remained unchanged.

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