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Indian Express
an hour ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Paika Rebellion & why its 'omission' in NCERT books has triggered political slugfest in Odisha
Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday (July 22) expressed concern over the 'omission' of the Paika Rebellion from the latest Class VIII history textbook of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), calling it a 'huge dishonour' to the brave Paikas. Who were the Paikas? Why did they rebel against the British? And how is the alleged omission of the rebellion from history textbooks a politically sensitive issue in Odisha? Throughout the 19th century, rural India was alive with discontent that periodically manifested itself in the form of armed resistance against old inequities and new hardships alike. The latter was primarily the result of military expansion of the British East India Company, which disrupted existing social relations in peasant and tribal communities. The Paika Rebellion, also known as the Paika Bidroha, was one such uprising. The Paikas (pronounced 'paiko', literally 'foot soldiers') were a class of military retainers who had been recruited from various social groups by the Gajapati rulers of Odisha since the 16th century. They would render martial services to the king in return for hereditary rent-free land (nish-kar jagirs) which they would cultivate during peacetime. In 1803, Colonel Harcourt marched virtually unchallenged from Madras to Puri, and faced only feeble Maratha opposition onward to Cuttack. Harcourt had made an agreement with Mukunda Deva II, for free passage through Khurda in return for compensation of Rs 1 lakh and four parganas — Lembai, Rahanga, Surai and Chabiskud — which had been under Maratha control since 1760. When the Company did not fulfil these conditions, Jayee Rajguru, the custodian of the king marched to Cuttack with around 2,000 armed Paikas in order to pressurise the British. Although Harcourt paid a sum of Rs 40,000, he refused to give Khurda the four parganas. Rajguru subsequently conspired to overthrow the British, but was caught before the revolt could materialise. The Company subsequently took away the king's lands, dethroned him, razed the fort at Barunei, and arrested Rajguru, who was convicted for waging war against the British government and executed on December 6, 1806. The king was banished to Puri. The end of native rule in Odisha marked the beginning of the decline of the Paikas' power and prestige. Apart from losing political patronage, the Paikas, who previously enjoyed rent-free land, suffered due to new land revenue settlements introduced by the Company which drove Odia proprietors to ruin. Many were forced to transfer land to Bengali absentee landlords, often for a pittance. The British also changed the currency system, demanding revenue payments in rupees, which increased pressure on dispossessed, marginal tribals. These sections had to cope with greater demands from landlords, who now had to pay taxes in silver. The British control over salt — which had pre-1803-4 origins, but was extended to coastal Odisha in 1814 — also led to rising hardship for the people in the hills. There is evidence of raids on boats of salt agents near Puri during this period. Their hereditary rent-free land being taken away, along with a host of other economic difficulties, eventually led to a full-scale revolt against British rule. The rebellion In March 1817, some 400 Kondhs equipped with traditional arms marched from Ghumusar towards Khurda. They were joined by an army of Paikas led by Bakshi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar Mahapatra Bhramarabar Ray, the former commander-in-chief of the king of Khurda and the erstwhile holder of the lucrative Rodanga estate. The rebels attacked the police station of Banpur, burnt government quarters, killed policemen, looted the government treasury, and proceeded towards Khurda. The Paikas fought bloody battles at several places over the next few months, and killed several British officials. The Company army gradually crushed the revolt. Bakshi Jagabandhu escaped to the jungles, and remained on the run till 1825, when he finally surrendered to the British under negotiated terms. Invoking Paikas today The Paikas and their rebellion have long been used to invoke Odia sub-nationalism. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government in Odisha in 2017, the 200th anniversary of the rebellion, demanded that the Centre declare the Paika Bidroha as the 'first war of independence', given it was launched four decades before the Mutiny of 1857. While this demand was not accepted, then Union Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha in 2021, said that rebellion would be included in Class VIII history textbooks, framing it as 'one of the beginnings of popular uprisings against the British in India'. In fact, the BJP too has the Paika Rebellion to strengthen its position in coastal Odisha. In 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi felicitated more than 200 descendants of Paika warriors in Bhubaneswar. In 2019, then President Ram Nath Kovind laid the foundation stone of the Paika Memorial at Barunei foothills. After BJP came to power in Odisha last year, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced that the Paika Academy and Paika Memorial would be established expeditiously at Barunei near Khurda. Amid the latest controversy, BJP ministers in Odisha have accused Patnaik of misleading people by making false claims. The NCERT has already clarified that 'regional resistances' like the Paika Rebellion will be handled in the second volume of the textbook, expected to be released in September-October.
Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
True Leaders Work From Their Core Strength
Some people are born leaders. Others are pushed into leadership by circumstances. But everyone has the potential to become a great leader. The qualities just need to be awakened through continuous learning, intentional self-effort and experience. Throughout history, there have been outstanding leaders in every field - military generals, business moguls, political activists, and social reformers. Yet, the most impactful leaders have been spiritual masters, whose influence outlives their time. When you tap into the Spirit within, you rise above physical limitations, emotional baggage, and intellectual prejudices. You breathe an ethereal air. Ancient India was led by rajarishis, royal sages, who held immense wealth and power, yet remained wise and centred within. At the heart of great leadership lies a higher ideal. A leader sees beyond personal gain, beyond "I, me, mine." The Bhagwad Gita guides us to work in the spirit of yajna - sacrifice and service for a noble cause. In this mindset, success and happiness follow naturally, and you begin to grow into your true potential. Constricted by selfishness, success eludes you. And happiness and growth remain distant dreams. True leaders work from their core strength, inner calling. They are guided by the sane counsel of the intellect and not swayed by the whims and fancies of the mind. The mind, the seat of emotions, is fickle, irrational, and unreliable. The intellect is steady, rational and dependable. A leader loves his people, is ready to sacrifice for them, but the intellect guides, supervises and controls emotions. Leadership is hard work, but it never feels like drudgery when fuelled by inspiration. When you are uninspired, you experience boredom. The same work, driven by a powerful emotional motivation, becomes exciting. You break through physical barriers. You become enthusiastic, energetic and creative. Driven by an intellectual ideal, you smash through even emotional hang-ups and achieve the impossible. And when you take the mighty leap into the Spirit, all barriers break down. One of the most powerful traits of a leader is their sense of oneness with others. Most people live in mental islands of separation. A true leader breaks through this illusion. If a leader is consumed by hatred and rivalry, how can they uplift society? Great leaders see beyond divisions. They find common ground and build unity. Look at others not as opponents but as partners. Focus on the values that unite us, not on the differences that divide us. Feel for people, work for them, and you will be amply rewarded. Shivaji, the great Maratha ruler, and his trusted lieutenant, Tanaji, were like brothers. This bond enabled Tanaji to win the battle against a larger, better-equipped Mughal army. A leader must be objective and rise above partisan, prejudiced views. Take a step back and view the situation from an outsider's perspective. Act as if your life depends on it, knowing that it does not matter. As Shakespeare said, "All the world's a stage, and all men and women mere players. They have their exits and their entrances." You have a role to play. Play it to the best of your ability. And exit when the time comes. Authored by: Jaya Row Jaya Row will give a talk on Awaken The Leader In You on July 20, in Delhi; call 9820138429 for details Why Arjun Was Chosen: The Untold Secret of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 3
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Maratha grp attack: NCP leader given marching orders
Pune: NCP president and deputy CM Ajit Pawar on Monday directed the party's youth wing chief, Suraj Chavan, to resign a day after he and some party workers allegedly assaulted an office-bearer of Maratha outfit Chhava Sanghatana in Latur for flinging playing cards at state NCP chief Sunil Tatkare to protest the videos showing agriculture minister Manikrao Kokate playing rummy in the House. In a post on X, Pawar said the decision was taken to show that the party will not tolerate any action against its ideology. "Against the backdrop of [Sunday's] serious incident in Latur, I have instructed NCP state youth president Suraj Chavan to resign from his post. I strongly protest any form of violence and the use of unparliamentary language. The identity of NCP is based on the democratic values of equality taught by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Shahu Maharaj, Mahatma Phule and Babasaheb Ambedkar. I want to make it clear to all party workers to give priority to democracy, peaceful conduct and non-violence," he said. Chhava Sanghatana's Vijaykumar Ghadge and other members went to meet Tatkare on Sunday to submit a memorandum demanding Kokate's resignation. They raised slogans against Kokate and threw cards at Tatkare. After Tatkare left the venue, Chavan and other party members allegedly attacked Ghadge, who was sitting in another room. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai Following outrage from farmers' organisations and the opposition, Chavan tendered an apology. "There were some unconstitutional words used by the protesters, which led to the conflict between NCP and Chhava members. I regret my action and apologise. I will soon meet Ghadge in person to clear the misunderstanding," he said. Soon after the attack, he had defended his and other NCP workers' action as a "natural reaction" to alleged attempts to humiliate party functionaries. He had acknowledged Chhava Sanghatna's right to democratic protest, but suggested that the card-throwing protest was out of line. Chhava Sanghatana members from Latur, Nanded, Dharashiv and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar registered their protests and demanded strict action against Chavan and other NCP members involved in the violence. No case was lodged in connection with the violence.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Lakh To Throng Tajbagh On Chhabisi Of Sufi Saint During Shahi Sandal
Nagpur: The Darbari Shahi Sandal will mark the Sufi saint Baba Tajuddin's Chhabisi – the most important day of the ongoing 103rd annual urs at Tajbagh – on Tuesday. The sandal commemorates the return of the mystic from Pagalkhana (Regional Mental Hospital), when he was taken in a buggy by Maratha ruler Raghuji on a 15km parade. The grand sandal will kick off from another saint Mohammad Hussain's dargah close to Tajbagh. It will merge with the Darbari Shahi Sandal at 10am before going past several important points touched by Baba Tajuddin during the procession taken out by him in his lifetime. Starting from the shrine, the procession will pass through Ashok Square and reach Teen Naal Chowk, where it will be welcomed by Baba's followers. More than two lakh devotees are likely to take part in the day-long procession, while another two lakh will stay back at the dargah. The procession will include several bands, street performers, buggies, horses, and qawwals singing and expressing their devotion for Baba Tajuddin, who is regarded as one of the most important mystics of South Asia. Community feasts at different places will also be held by Baba's followers. On Sunday night, city MP and Union minister Nitin Gadkari paid obeisance at the dargah along with Hazrat Baba Tajuddin Trust chairman Pyare Khan and secretary Taj Ahmed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search Ads Get Info Undo Gadkari said, "This is Baba's place, and no wrongdoing should occur here. It is not just a place but a symbol of respect and reverence for Baba. Therefore, its progress is our responsibility. Under the leadership of Pyare Khan, many significant and essential tasks have been accomplished here. He completed every task with honesty and dedication to maintain the glory of Baba's place and ensure better facilities for every devotee who visits." The Lok Sabha MP added that the govt has also initiated several important schemes for the development of this place and completed major projects. "Whether it is road construction, cleanliness efforts, or lighting arrangements, work has been done at every level to provide convenience to those who visit Baba's court. I want to clearly state that if anyone engages in dishonesty or tries to cause any disturbance in Baba's work, I will not spare them. Baba's premises are a place of worship, and they demand honesty and pure intentions. There should be no negligence or carelessness in Baba's work. It is our collective duty to make this place even better and ensure its sanctity is preserved," he said.
NDTV
2 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Ajit Pawar Party Leader Suraj Chavan Told To Resign Amid Marathwada Protests
Ajit Pawar, who heads the Nationalist Congress Party, has asked Suraj Chavan to resign immediately from the position of state president of the party, following his involvement in the assault on Chhava Sanghatana activists in Latur. "In the backdrop of an extremely serious and condemnable incident that occurred in Latur yesterday, I have given clear instructions to Suraj Chavan, the state president of the Nationalist Youth Congress, to immediately resign from his post," Mr Pawar, who is also Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, posted on social media. What Happened in Latur? The flashpoint came during party MP Sunil Tatkare's Latur tour. While he was addressing the media, workers from the Chaava organisation interrupted the press conference and demanded the resignation of Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate. Vijaykumar Ghadge, a Chaava leader, threw playing cards at Tatkare, symbolically protesting against Mr Kokate, who was recently caught on camera allegedly playing rummy in the state assembly - a video that was made public by MLA Rohit Pawar. "The assembly is meant to make laws for farmers and common people of the state. It is not a place to play cards. Remove Kokate from his post, he is bringing disrepute to your party," Mr Ghadge told Mr Tatkare. The Aftermath and Attack Soon after the protest, NCP Youth Wing members, led by their president Suraj Chavan, attacked the Chaava workers and verbally abused them. According to NDTV sources, Mr Tatkare was at a different guest house when the incident took place. The police responded promptly by evacuating the NCP workers from the guest house and providing protection to Mr Ghadge. In a statement to NDTV, Suraj Chavan justified the attack by alleging that the Chaava workers had used "unconstitutional and lowly language" against their leader. However, no such remarks were found in the circulated video. Police Action and Chavan's Apology An FIR was registered against Mr Chavan and 12 others, though they are missing. Early this morning, Mr Chavan posted a video expressing regret over the incident. He reiterated that his reaction was due to alleged verbal insults against his party leader. "Some outlets are saying that we beat Vijay Ghadge because he spoke about the issues of the farmers. I am a son of a farmer, I consider it my duty to stand by anyone who's speaking for farmers. We did what we did because of the use of unconstitutional words. I regret the same. I'll soon meet Vijay Ghadge and clear his doubts," Mr Chavan said. What is Chaava? The Chaava Sanghatana is a Maratha youth organisation that promotes cultural values and advocates for farmers' issues in Marathwada. Though not formally aligned with any political party, the group has grown influential, especially among rural youth. Widening Protests Across Marathwada Following the Latur attack, Chaava called for a Latur Bandh, which was widely supported by Maratha organisations and farmers. Protests soon spread to Jalna, Sambhaji Nagar, Nanded, and Nashik, with demonstrators tearing down posters of Ajit Pawar and demanding action against both Chavan and Minister Kokate. Vijay Ghadge also reached out to Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange and farmers' leader Raju Shetti, who extended their support. Political Reactions The fallout from the Latur incident has drawn sharp reactions. While Sunil Tatkare distanced himself from the violence, clarifying that he was not present. However, leaders from the opposition came down heavily on the Ajit Pawar-led faction. Sanjay Raut of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) condemned the assault on Chaava workers, likening it to gang-style violence. He also hit out at the ruling alliance for shielding Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, questioning why Devendra Fadnavis had remained silent despite clear visual evidence of misconduct. "A minister is playing rummy - it's seen - yet he's supported. If this were any other party, Devendra Fadnavis wouldn't have left the staircase of Mantralay. He would've sat in protest," said Mr Raut. MLA Rohit Pawar stated that while Suraj Chavan's resignation was a necessary step, it was far from sufficient. "Maharashtra is awaiting the resignation of the Agriculture Minister, who has been rubbing salt in the wounds of farmers," wrote Mr Pawar, the grandnephew of Sharad Pawar. Rohini Khadse, another NCP-SP leader, echoed the sentiment. She described Chavan's removal as a "small fish" sacrifice to protect the "favoured big fish," insisting that the real political responsibility lay with Mr Kokate. Ms Khadse demanded that Ajit Pawar show political will by taking action against ministers who show disregard for the Assembly and the plight of farmers. While Ajit Pawar's faction has officially condemned the Latur incident and asked for Mr Chavan's resignation, they have stopped short of taking any disciplinary action against Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate.
