Archive · 23 Jul 2025
Odisha's Paika Rebellion Omission in Textbooks Triggers Political Controversy
Imagine soldiers called Paikas who served a king in Odisha long ago.
They got land for their service.
Then, the British came and took over, changing the rules and making life hard for the Paikas.
They lost their land and had to pay more taxes.
This made them angry, so they fought back in 1817.
They attacked British officers and buildings, but the British eventually won.
Now, there's a debate about whether this important event is being taught in schoolbooks, with some politicians saying it's not fair to leave it out.
Former Odisha CM expressed concern over the "omission" of the Paika Rebellion from the latest NCERT history textbook.
The Paika Rebellion was an uprising in 1817 against the British East India Company due to economic hardship and loss of power.
Paikas were military retainers of Odisha's Gajapati rulers who lost their land and faced new revenue systems under British rule.
The rebellion, led by Bakshi Jagabandhu, involved attacks on British officials and government buildings.
The controversy has led to political debates, with the NCERT stating the rebellion will be in the second volume of the textbook.
- Who
- The Paikas, led by Bakshi Jagabandhu, rebelled against the British East India Company.
- What
- The Paika Rebellion's omission from NCERT textbooks sparks political debate in Odisha.
- When
- The Paika Rebellion occurred in 1817.
- Where
- Odisha, India.
- Why
- The Paikas rebelled due to loss of land, economic hardship, and new revenue systems imposed by the British.
Concerned Officials & Groups
NCERT and BJP
Inclusion of Paika Rebellion in Textbooks
Concerned Officials & Groups
The Paika Rebellion's absence from textbooks is a dishonor to the Paikas' contributions to India's fight for independence.
NCERT and BJP
NCERT claims the Rebellion will be included in a subsequent textbook volume; the BJP accused of misleading people.
- Rebellion Year
- 1817
- Leader
- Bakshi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar Mahapatra Bhramarabar Ray
- Primary Participants
- Paikas
- Cause
- British policies and economic hardship
- Location
- Odisha
- Controversy
- Omission from NCERT textbook