Question

Many scholars, researchers and historians have opined that the Paika Rebellion of 1817 was India’s first organized armed rebellion against British Raj. ‘Paikas’ were

• A. Zamindars originally brought to the Deccan by Mughal emperors
• B. Peasants of Odisha who rendered military service to their king during times of war
• C. Hunters and gatherers living in the forests of Andhra Pradesh
• D. The ruling dynasty of West Bengal

Answer 1

The correct option is B Peasants of Odisha who rendered military service to their king during times of war

They revolted against the British after the later took over their rent-free land, 14 years after Odisha came under British rule in 1803.
Paikas were essentially the peasant-militias or traditional land-owning militia of the Gajapati rulers of Odisha who rendered military service to the king during times of war while taking up cultivation during times of peace.
They unfurled the banner of rebellion against the British under the leadership of Baxi Jagandhu Bidyadhara as early as 1817 to throw off the British yoke.