Page 1
Movements in Odisha against British
The Britishers collected heavy taxes from peasants in Odisha due to which people
were against the British rule. Many revolts broke out in different places of Odisha
due to defective administration of the Britishers.Some of the rebellion are discussed
below:
Paika Rebellion
It is also known as the Khurda Rebellion. This was the first uprising against the
British rule in Odisha also known as first war of independence in Odisha. In 1817,
Paik of Khurda and people of some areas of Odisha revolted against the Britishers,
which came to be known as Paika Rebellion.
Causesof Paika Rebellion were asfollows:
l
The cause for rebellion in Khurda in 1817 was the land revenue policy of the
Britishers. The Paik enjoyed rent free land tenures for their military service on a
hereditary basis. These service lands were taken away in the settlement by
Major Fletcher.
l
The land revenue policy of the British affected the zamindars as well as the tenant
farmers.
l
Other causes of the rebellion were salt monopoly, deprivation of the local servants
from the British administration, the unsympathetic attitude of the ruler towards
the ruled, etc.
First Martyr of Odisha: Jayee Rajguru
In 1804, Jayee Krushna Rajguru Mahapatra (known to the people as Jayee
Rajguru) was the royal preceptor to Mukunda Dev II. He revolted against the
British with the army of Paika warriors. This was also known as Khorda Rebellion.
But the Britishers, suppressed the rebellion with the help of some natives. On 6th
December, 1806 Jayee Rajguru was convicted and hanged. Thus, Jayee Rajguru is
considered as the first martyr of the early freedom struggle against British rule. His
sacrifice laid the foundation of a major revolt after 13 years of his martyrdom.
Events of Paik Rebellion
l
The leader of this uprising event was Bakshi Jagabandhu, a former General of the
armed force of the Khurda Raja.
l
The tribals of Banapur and Ghumusar accepted Bakshi Jagabandhu as their leader
and they bravely marched towards Khurda to fight against colonial power with
high ambition.
l
On 29th March, 1817 the Paika rebellion began in Khurda. The Paikas of Khurda
under the leadership of Bakshi Jagabandhu joined the Chuhars of Ghumusar. They
burnt the government buildings and sacked the government treasury of Khurda.
They burnt and broke down the public and private buildings as well.
32 Know Your State ODISHA
Page 2
Movements in Odisha against British
The Britishers collected heavy taxes from peasants in Odisha due to which people
were against the British rule. Many revolts broke out in different places of Odisha
due to defective administration of the Britishers.Some of the rebellion are discussed
below:
Paika Rebellion
It is also known as the Khurda Rebellion. This was the first uprising against the
British rule in Odisha also known as first war of independence in Odisha. In 1817,
Paik of Khurda and people of some areas of Odisha revolted against the Britishers,
which came to be known as Paika Rebellion.
Causesof Paika Rebellion were asfollows:
l
The cause for rebellion in Khurda in 1817 was the land revenue policy of the
Britishers. The Paik enjoyed rent free land tenures for their military service on a
hereditary basis. These service lands were taken away in the settlement by
Major Fletcher.
l
The land revenue policy of the British affected the zamindars as well as the tenant
farmers.
l
Other causes of the rebellion were salt monopoly, deprivation of the local servants
from the British administration, the unsympathetic attitude of the ruler towards
the ruled, etc.
First Martyr of Odisha: Jayee Rajguru
In 1804, Jayee Krushna Rajguru Mahapatra (known to the people as Jayee
Rajguru) was the royal preceptor to Mukunda Dev II. He revolted against the
British with the army of Paika warriors. This was also known as Khorda Rebellion.
But the Britishers, suppressed the rebellion with the help of some natives. On 6th
December, 1806 Jayee Rajguru was convicted and hanged. Thus, Jayee Rajguru is
considered as the first martyr of the early freedom struggle against British rule. His
sacrifice laid the foundation of a major revolt after 13 years of his martyrdom.
Events of Paik Rebellion
l
The leader of this uprising event was Bakshi Jagabandhu, a former General of the
armed force of the Khurda Raja.
l
The tribals of Banapur and Ghumusar accepted Bakshi Jagabandhu as their leader
and they bravely marched towards Khurda to fight against colonial power with
high ambition.
l
On 29th March, 1817 the Paika rebellion began in Khurda. The Paikas of Khurda
under the leadership of Bakshi Jagabandhu joined the Chuhars of Ghumusar. They
burnt the government buildings and sacked the government treasury of Khurda.
They burnt and broke down the public and private buildings as well.
32 Know Your State ODISHA
l
They denounced the British authority and proclaimed Raja Mukundadeva as their
ruler.
l
Many Muslim fighters also supported Bakshi Jagabandhu. Among them, the
prominent one was Dumuduma Dalabehera Mirhaidar Ali of Jadupur.
Impact of Paik Rebellion
l
The leaders of Khurda-Godabarish Mishra, Godabarish Mohapatra, Prananatha
Patnaik, Sachi Routray, Gangadhar Paikaray, Gokul Mohan Rai Chudamani and
Purna Chandra Mohanty were greatly inspired and became fearless freedom fighters.
l
In 1825 Bakshi Jagabandhu surrendered and Britishers started bringing
administrative reforms.
l
In administrative field, changes were made and Oriyas were employed in the
government services.
l
Changes were also introduced in the field of Judiciary. The price of the salt was
reduced and more salt was made available for the smooth purchase by the people.
British government reduced the revenue burdens of the local zamindars.
Revolt of 1857 and Odisha
The Great Indian Revolt of 1857 is one of the greatest events of Modern Indian
History. The effect of this revolt was seen in Odisha also.
Impact of Revolt of 1857 on Odisha
l
In Odisha, the impact of the great revolt was also felt. A great nationalist from
Odisha, Vir Surendra Sai and his life-long struggle during the revolt was
remarkable. Another Nationalist, Rama Krushna Samanta Singhar, the zamindar
of Ballia also dedicated his life to the revolt. Raja Arjun Singh of Parhat and his
dewan Jagu also actively participated in the anti-British activities.
l
The Tributary Mahals of Odisha became silent during the great revolt of 1857.
The kings of Tributary Mahals rendered their support to the British Government.
l
Rajas of Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar provided good service to British during the
mutiny of 1857. The ruling chiefs of the two native states were rewarded with the
title of Maharaja by the British Government.
Leaders Associated with the 1857 Revolt
l
ChandanHajuri He was also known as Chakhi Khuntia. He played a great role in
the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. He maintained a direct contact with rebel leadership
but was arrested from Gaya. He is known for his role of spreading the message of
revolution through his literary works.
l
SurendraSai In 1833, the Sambalpur region revolted against British rule under
Surendra Sai. Surendra Sai challenged the motives of the British Government on
the grounds of Doctorine of Lapse. When the Sepoy Mutiny began, he was in
Hajaribagh Jail. He broke free in 1857 and joined the revolt.
33 Modern History of Odisha
Page 3
Movements in Odisha against British
The Britishers collected heavy taxes from peasants in Odisha due to which people
were against the British rule. Many revolts broke out in different places of Odisha
due to defective administration of the Britishers.Some of the rebellion are discussed
below:
Paika Rebellion
It is also known as the Khurda Rebellion. This was the first uprising against the
British rule in Odisha also known as first war of independence in Odisha. In 1817,
Paik of Khurda and people of some areas of Odisha revolted against the Britishers,
which came to be known as Paika Rebellion.
Causesof Paika Rebellion were asfollows:
l
The cause for rebellion in Khurda in 1817 was the land revenue policy of the
Britishers. The Paik enjoyed rent free land tenures for their military service on a
hereditary basis. These service lands were taken away in the settlement by
Major Fletcher.
l
The land revenue policy of the British affected the zamindars as well as the tenant
farmers.
l
Other causes of the rebellion were salt monopoly, deprivation of the local servants
from the British administration, the unsympathetic attitude of the ruler towards
the ruled, etc.
First Martyr of Odisha: Jayee Rajguru
In 1804, Jayee Krushna Rajguru Mahapatra (known to the people as Jayee
Rajguru) was the royal preceptor to Mukunda Dev II. He revolted against the
British with the army of Paika warriors. This was also known as Khorda Rebellion.
But the Britishers, suppressed the rebellion with the help of some natives. On 6th
December, 1806 Jayee Rajguru was convicted and hanged. Thus, Jayee Rajguru is
considered as the first martyr of the early freedom struggle against British rule. His
sacrifice laid the foundation of a major revolt after 13 years of his martyrdom.
Events of Paik Rebellion
l
The leader of this uprising event was Bakshi Jagabandhu, a former General of the
armed force of the Khurda Raja.
l
The tribals of Banapur and Ghumusar accepted Bakshi Jagabandhu as their leader
and they bravely marched towards Khurda to fight against colonial power with
high ambition.
l
On 29th March, 1817 the Paika rebellion began in Khurda. The Paikas of Khurda
under the leadership of Bakshi Jagabandhu joined the Chuhars of Ghumusar. They
burnt the government buildings and sacked the government treasury of Khurda.
They burnt and broke down the public and private buildings as well.
32 Know Your State ODISHA
l
They denounced the British authority and proclaimed Raja Mukundadeva as their
ruler.
l
Many Muslim fighters also supported Bakshi Jagabandhu. Among them, the
prominent one was Dumuduma Dalabehera Mirhaidar Ali of Jadupur.
Impact of Paik Rebellion
l
The leaders of Khurda-Godabarish Mishra, Godabarish Mohapatra, Prananatha
Patnaik, Sachi Routray, Gangadhar Paikaray, Gokul Mohan Rai Chudamani and
Purna Chandra Mohanty were greatly inspired and became fearless freedom fighters.
l
In 1825 Bakshi Jagabandhu surrendered and Britishers started bringing
administrative reforms.
l
In administrative field, changes were made and Oriyas were employed in the
government services.
l
Changes were also introduced in the field of Judiciary. The price of the salt was
reduced and more salt was made available for the smooth purchase by the people.
British government reduced the revenue burdens of the local zamindars.
Revolt of 1857 and Odisha
The Great Indian Revolt of 1857 is one of the greatest events of Modern Indian
History. The effect of this revolt was seen in Odisha also.
Impact of Revolt of 1857 on Odisha
l
In Odisha, the impact of the great revolt was also felt. A great nationalist from
Odisha, Vir Surendra Sai and his life-long struggle during the revolt was
remarkable. Another Nationalist, Rama Krushna Samanta Singhar, the zamindar
of Ballia also dedicated his life to the revolt. Raja Arjun Singh of Parhat and his
dewan Jagu also actively participated in the anti-British activities.
l
The Tributary Mahals of Odisha became silent during the great revolt of 1857.
The kings of Tributary Mahals rendered their support to the British Government.
l
Rajas of Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar provided good service to British during the
mutiny of 1857. The ruling chiefs of the two native states were rewarded with the
title of Maharaja by the British Government.
Leaders Associated with the 1857 Revolt
l
ChandanHajuri He was also known as Chakhi Khuntia. He played a great role in
the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. He maintained a direct contact with rebel leadership
but was arrested from Gaya. He is known for his role of spreading the message of
revolution through his literary works.
l
SurendraSai In 1833, the Sambalpur region revolted against British rule under
Surendra Sai. Surendra Sai challenged the motives of the British Government on
the grounds of Doctorine of Lapse. When the Sepoy Mutiny began, he was in
Hajaribagh Jail. He broke free in 1857 and joined the revolt.
33 Modern History of Odisha
l
RamakrushnaSamantasinghar He was the successor of great poet, Abhimanyu
Samanta Singhar. In August, 1857, with the support of Khandayats, he revolted
against the Sunset Law introduced by Lord Cornwallis.
l
Ratna Naik wanted to place Brundaban Bhanja as king but he was captured and
awarded capital punishment with six others.
Na’anka Famine of 1866-67
In 1866, Odisha was hit by the most devastating famine in its colonial history. The
people of the state were dependent on winter rice crops for food but the rainfall in
that year was scanty and ceased prematurely due to which, food stocks decreased to a
large extent. However, the government underestimated this situation and no
measures were taken to provide food. The reality of the situation was eventually
understood at the end of May 1865 but by then the monsoon began. Due to
monsoon, transport by sea was extremely difficult and even when grain reached the
coast, it could not be transported to affected parts of the country.
At least a million people died in Odisha due to starvation. The Secretary of state for
India appointed a Commission in December 1866 under the Chairmanship of
George Campbell to look into the matter but by then much devestation had already
occurred.
34 Know Your State ODISHA
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