In the fiscal year of 2017-18, the government made a significant announcement to honour the bicentenary of the Paika Rebellion, a major historical event that took place in the year 1817. To mark this event, the government would release commemorative coins and postage stamps. The release precisely occurred two centuries after the rebellion, acknowledging it as one of the biggest revolts that ever took place in eastern India.
The Paika Rebellion, widely known as the Paika Bidroha, happened in Odisha. It predates the first war of independence in 1857 and managed to shake the foundations of British rule in the eastern region of India temporarily. The rebellion against the British was led by the Paikas who were primarily peasants but also served as militias to the Gajapati rulers of Odisha during times of conflict.
A Brief History
Understanding the context of the Paika Rebellion requires diving into the history of Odisha until 1803 when it was under Maratha rule. The second Anglo-Maratha War resulted in the Marathas handing over much of their territory in Odisha to the British East India Company. The establishment of British rule marked the beginning of a harsh period for the Paikas.
The Paikas began to lose their standing in society under the new rulers. Their lands were taken away, and they faced heavy exploitation from the revenue collectors of the British administration. This period marked the inception of significant unrest among the Paikas.
The Rebellion
The rebellion began under Baxi Jagabandhu, the hereditary chief of the militia army of the Gajapati King of Khurda (a kingdom near Puri). In March 1817, the Paikas, backed by tribals and other social sections, rose in rebellion. Their revolt was marked by the attack on British symbols of power, including police stations, administrative offices, and the treasury.
The rebellion was not restricted to the Paikas. They were supported by the rajas, zamindars, village heads, and ordinary peasants. The rebellion spread quickly across the province, initially taking the British by surprise.
However, once the shock wore off, the British administration tried to regain control, facing stiff resistance from the Paikas. Despite the valiant efforts, the Paikas were eventually defeated by the British.
Aftermath of the Rebellion
Following their defeat, the Paikas retreated into Odisha’s thick jungles and continued their struggle through guerrilla warfare for several years. However, after successive defeats, their leader Bakshi Jagabandhu surrendered to the British in 1825. He lived as a prisoner in Cuttack till his death in 1829.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Place of Rebellion | Odisha |
| Year of Rebellion | 1817 |
| Leader of Rebellion | Baxi Jagabandhu |
| Aftermath | Bakshi Jagabandhu lived as prisoner till his death in 1829 |
The Commemoration
Two centuries later, in 2017, the Indian government officially recognised the Paika Rebellion. The release of the commemorative coins and postage stamps serves as a tribute to these brave souls who fought against British oppression. It also educates and reminds the citizens of India about the significant historical event that is the Paika Rebellion.