- Source: Paika (community)
The Paik or Paika (Odia:ପାଇକ) is a Militia community, found in Odisha state of India.
Origin
The Odia word Paika is derived from Padatika or foot soldier. They were a class of military retainers recruited from a variety of social groups to render martial services in return for hereditary rent-free lands and titles. Most Paiks were recruited from Khandayats, Chasa communities. Tribal castes like Pans and Khonds also served as Paikas. Paikas originated from tribal, peasant and pastoralist communities of Odisha. In Ghumsar region of Odisha all Paiks were Khonds. Some Paiks also belonged to Karan caste.
Separate Caste
The Caste based consensus introduced by the Britishers led to the formation of a separate Paika caste.
History
The Paikas (Paikos) started an armed rebellion ( Paika Rebellion or Paika Bidroha ) against the British East India Companys rule in Odisha in 1817.
Classification
The Paikos are included under Other Backward Class list in the state of Odisha.
References
External links
http://www.bcmbcmw.tn.gov.in/obc/faq/orrisa.pdf