The chorus for the Paika rebellion of 1817 in Odisha being recognised as the first Indian war of independence is getting louder.

On Friday, hundreds of Paikas hailing from traditional warrior families took out a march in the state capital to demand free land for the construction of a Paika memorial at Barunei in Khordha district, the epicentre of the rebellion.

The Paikas were a traditionally landed militia who had revolted against the colonial rule and were put down by the British forces.

On Friday, hundreds of Paikas, who are well versed in traditional martial arts, started their journey from Barunei shrine to Bhubaneswar. Later, dressed in their traditional gear and carrying arms, the Paikas marched from near the Ram Mandir in Bhubaneswar towards Master Canteen Square. Many of them showcased their martial art skills. The march culminated at Ekamra Haat where a meeting was organised.

The Paikas warned they would intensify their agitation if their demands were not met.

“We will not give up our fight till the Government of India accords Paika Bidroha or rebellion the status of First War of Independence. The Odisha government should immediately provide land free of cost for the construction of a Paika memorial at Barunei, which is only 20km from Bhubaneswar. We will organise a similar Paika procession at Red Fort in New Delhi in support of our demand,” said senior leader Dillip Srichandan.

“The Government of India recognises the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 as the First War of Independence. We demand the 1817 Paika Bidroha be given the status of the First War of Independence of India instead. We have enough evidence to support our claim,” senior Congress leader and Jatni MLA Sura Routray, who himself hails from a Paika family, said.

It may be mentioned here that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had met some of the descendants of Paika rebellion martyrs during his visit to Bhubaneswar in 2017. That was the first time someone of the stature of a Prime Minister had acknowledged the contribution of the Paikas to the freedom of the country.

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik had sought President Ram Nath Kovind’s intervention in December 2019 to accord Paika rebellion as the first war of independence. Last week, BJD MPs met junior Union culture minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on the issue.

Since then, the demand has been raised at several forums. Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan has also taken up this demand at the highest level.