Paika | |
---|---|
Religions | Hinduism |
Languages | Odia |
Populated states | Odisha |
Related groups | Khandayat |
The Paik or Paika ( Odia:ପାଇକ) is a Militia community, found in Odisha state of India. [1] [2] [3] [4]
The Odia word Paika or Paiko, derived from Padatika, means foot soldier. They were originally a class of military retainers had been recruited since the 16th century by kings in Odisha from a variety of social groups to render martial services in return for hereditary rent-free land (nish-kar jagirs) and titles. In the past the Paiks were recruited from various castes of which Khandayat were majority. [2] [5] Later after the Caste based consensus introduced by Britishers, they were known as a caste. [6]
The Paikas (Paikos) were started an armed rebellion ( Paika Rebellion or Paika Bidroha) against the British East India Companys rule in Odisha in 1817. [7] [8]
The Paikos are included under Other Backward Class list in the state of Odisha. [9]