Paika Rebellion and the uprising against British

Paper: GS – I, Subject: History Modern, Topic: Reaction of Society towards colonial Role, Issue: Paika Rebellion.

Context:

The Paika Rebellion, a significant uprising against the British East India Company in Odisha during the early 19th century.

Key Takeaways:

The Paikas: Odisha’s Warrior Farmers:

• In 19th-century rural India, widespread discontent often erupted into armed resistance due to longstanding injustices and the disruptive policies of the expanding British East India Company. 
• Among those who rose in rebellion were the Paikas of Odisha a class of traditional foot soldiers. 
• Since the 16th century, Odisha’s Gajapati kings had recruited Paikas from various social groups to serve as military retainers. 
• In return for their martial services, they were granted hereditary rent-free lands known as nish-kar jagirs, which they cultivated during times of peace. 
• The erosion of their privileges under British rule sowed deep resentment, setting the stage for uprisings like the Paika Rebellion of 1817.

British Betrayal and the Fall of Khurda:

• In 1803, Colonel Harcourt’s British forces marched from Madras to Puri with little resistance and moved on to capture Cuttack. 
• Harcourt struck a deal with Mukunda Deva II of Khurda, promising him compensation of ₹1 lakh and four parganas in exchange for safe passage through his territory. 
• However, the British failed to fully honour the agreement. 
• In response, Jayee Rajguru, the king’s custodian, led 2,000 armed Paikas to Cuttack to pressure the British. 
• While Harcourt paid ₹40,000, he withheld the promised parganas. Rajguru’s subsequent conspiracy against British rule was thwarted, leading to his arrest and execution on December 6, 1806. 
• The British then dethroned the king, destroyed Barunei Fort, seized royal lands, and exiled Mukunda Deva II to Puri.

The Paika Rebellion of 1817 and Its Legacy:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-history/paika-rebellion-omission-ncert-odisha-10144924

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