Khordha: Celebrating Khordha’s rich Paika martial heritage and its legacy of resistance to British rule, the second edition of the Khordha Heritage Walks (KHW), held recently, showcased traditional Paika martial arts.
Known as the land of bravehearts, Khordha is associated with one of the earliest major uprisings against British rule in India. Led by Paika Guru Kabiraj Pradhan, young Paikas showcased traditional combat techniques using indigenous weapons.
The walk sought to connect the younger generation with Khordha’s history, living heritage and Paika martial culture, while fostering greater appreciation of Odisha’s historical legacy. The walk began at the sacred Dhabaleswar Temple, taking participants through the region’s rich history, traditions and martial heritage.
Badrinarayan Sahu, a member of the temple trust board, spoke about the shrine’s history, heritage, traditions and rituals, while eminent educationist and historian Satyabadi Baliarsingh also addressed the participants. During the visit, participants came across an inscription engraved on the floor of the temple’s marriage hall.
Bearing several names and the year 1344 AD, the inscription offers a valuable clue to the shrine’s history. Based on the inscription and its historical context, the present structure, or a phase of its construction, may tentatively be linked to the 18th century. Further epigraphic study, however, would be needed to establish its exact date and significance.
The heritage walkers then proceeded to Maa Anlei Thakurani Temple in Wilkinson Nagar, popularly known as Saheb Nuagaon. Senior journalist Gopal Pradhan spoke about the temple’s history, significance, rituals and festivals, besides explaining the historical background of Wilkinson Nagar and the story behind its name. The heritage walkers then proceeded to Maa Anlei Thakurani Temple at “Wilkinson Nagar”, popularly known as “Saheb Nuagaon”. Senior journalist Gopal Pradhan elaborated on the history, significance, rituals and festivals associated with Maa Anlei.
Participants were also introduced to the historical background of Wilkinson Nagar and the story behind its name. The Paikas formed the military backbone of the Khordha kingdom under the Bhoi dynasty, serving across different forts to protect the kingdom and its territories. Their martial tradition was closely rooted in local communities, with village deities serving as important objects of worship and spiritual anchors for the warriors.
As Paika Guru Kabiraj Pradhan explained, the tradition involved rigorous training in traditional weapons such as swords, Urmi (a wavy, sword-like iron weapon), Laudi (long fighting sticks), knives and Dhal (shields traditionally made from rhinoceros hide).
Paika Akhadas served as centres of training, discipline and preservation of these martial skills. Historians also link the Paikas’ military legacy to the leadership of Jayee Rajguru and, later, Buxi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar, the military chief of the Khordha king, during the Paika Rebellion of 1817.
Among those who participated were senior journalists and heritage enthusiasts Samarendra Baliarsingh, Prabhat Panigrahi, Dilip Pattnaik and Pradeep Sahu, along with KHW convener Jyotsna Mohapatra. Heritage enthusiasts from Puri, Cuttack, Parikud, Pipili and other parts of Odisha also joined the walk.