Why in the News?
Former Odisha CM expressed concern over the omission of the Paika Rebellion from NCERT’s latest Class VIII history textbook, calling it a “huge dishonour” to the brave Paikas.
Localized Revolts in Odisha Region:
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About Paika Rebellion:
- Who Were the Paikas: Traditional militia of Odisha who served local kings in exchange for rent-free land (nish-kar jagirs) and social standing.
- Role: Functioned as hereditary foot soldiers and police for the Khurda kingdom.
- Decline: British annexation of Odisha in 1803 ended their privileges through land revenue reforms and colonial restructuring.
- Leader: Led by Bakshi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar, the military chief under King Mukunda Dev II of Khurda.
- Causes of Rebellion: Loss of land rights, oppressive taxation, and marginalization of both the elite and peasantry under British rule.
- Key Events:
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- 2 April 1817: Bakshi Jagabandhu led the Paikas, joined by tribal Kondhs and others, in open rebellion.
- Rebel Actions: British offices at Banapur were torched, the treasury looted, and colonial officers killed.
- British Response: Regained control by mid-1817, but rebels resorted to guerrilla tactics.
- Bakshi’s Death: Captured in 1825, died in custody in 1829.
Outcomes:
- British Concessions: Temporary tax remissions, Lowered assessments, Suspended forced estate sales and fixed-land-tenures.
- Administrative Impact: These measures showed the British were forced to reconsider exploitative policies.
- Aftermath and Significance:
- Historical Role: An early example of organized resistance against British colonial rule—decades before 1857.
- Freedom Struggle Legacy: Viewed as a precursor to India’s independence movement.
- Current Demand: Odisha leaders advocate its recognition as India’s “first war of independence.”
| [UPSC 2018] After the Santhal Uprising subsided, what was/were the measure/measures taken by the colonial government?
1. The territories called `Santhal Paraganas’ were created. 2. It became illegal for a Santhal to transfer land to a non-Santhal. Select the correct answer using the code given below: Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2* (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
