On April 16, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi honoured in Bhubaneswar descendants of 16 families associated with what is known as the Paika rebellion of 1817. Here’s an explainer about the little-known but bloody rebellion of Odisha against British colonialism.
What is Paika rebellion?
Nearly about 200 years back in 1817, the fire of freedom struggle was enkindled at Khurda. The rebellion broke out in March, 1817 when nearly 400 Kandhas of Ghumusar in Ganjam marched towards Khurda protesting against the British while the Paikas, Daleis and Dalbeheras of Khurda joined them immediately.
The rebels under the leadership of military chief of King of Khurda Buxi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar Mahapatra burnt many Government buildings forcing the officials to flee. A British Commander was killed during a fight at Gangpada. Khurda King Mukund Dev (II) joined the Paikas to revolt against the British rule and went to Pipili and Puri to capture these two places. As the rebellion was widespread, it was beyond the power of the British authorities to control it. So martial law was proclaimed in Khurda. Despite this, the rebellion spread like wildfire to Gop, Tiran, Kanika and Kujang but it was quelled down. Buxi Jagabandhu tried to stir up the insurrection in the Baleswar district as he was in touch with the Bhonsle king of Nagpur but all proved abortive.
Though the rebellion lasted only for a year and a half, but it was completely stamped out in September 1818. All the same, it remained as a torchbearer for the anti-colonial movements in Odisha as well as for the entire nation.
Ten years after this great rebellion, another broke out at Tapanga near Khurda under the leadership of Madhab Chandra Routray known as Tapang Dalbehera. Fighting against the powerful enemy, it was not expected that Routray would achieve success. Nevertheless, the people of Tapanga fought heroically but were defeated. Tapang or for that matter the whole of Khurda came under the British rule.
The Paika revolt started after the British started experimenting with the stiff revenue system after 1803, which created hardship for the farmers of Odisha. The resurgence of the valiant Odia Paikas (militia caste) raised hopes and aspirations of the peoples.
In the annals of martial tradition of Odisha and its resurgence, chivalrous Odia heroes who revolted against the British are to be ever remembered and honoured for their sacrifice and for the cause of freedom of the people.
In 1804, the sacrifice of the Dewan of Khurda Jayakrushna Rajaguru Mohapatra popularly known as Jayee Rajaguru who was publicly hanged can’t be undermined. The really tragic and brave episode in the history is of Krutibas Patsani with Panchu Nayak in Banapur rebellion. They declared country’s independence in 1836 and then faced the death bravely. Similarly, we can’t forget the heroic deeds of Pindiki Bahubalendra of Darutheng and Krushna Chandra Bhramarbar Ray of Kuradhmalla.
The history of Khurda is remarkable for its glorious past of freedom movement, rich cultural heritage, political greatness, religious movement and economic prosperity through all its ages. Khurda had constituted the core area of ancient and medieval frame and once was the capital of ancient Odisha.
It was the last free kingdom of India. This is history but such heroic history is not truly represented in our books and records. Before 41 years of Sepoy Mutiny in 1857, Paika Mutiny occurred in 1817 and that was the first freedom struggle before Independence. This is our glorious history, but such history wasn’t glorified till date.
Truth is truth and truth must prevail, but such thing wasn’t recorded officially or nationally in the history of freedom movement.
Now there is ample opportunity for Odias to showcase this and demand that Paika Mutiny must get justice on the history of record. As on 2017, it would be two hundred years of Paika Mutiny. Hence, before that, the history should be corrected. The Odias should fight united for it.
Source - The Hindu and Daily Pioneer
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