History of Orissa from the Earliest Times to the British Period v2.c44.56

v2.c44.56

Stirling’s description of the *pāiks* of Orissa is extremely interesting and is therefore quoted in full:—“The Paiks or landed militia of the Rajwara combine with the most profound barbarism and the blindest devotion to the will of their chiefs, a ferocity and unquietness of disposition, which have ever rendered them an important and formidable class of the population of the province. They comprehend all castes and classes, chiefly perhaps the Chasa or cultivating tribes; occasionally individuals of the lowest castes are found among them, as Khandras, Pans and Bawaris (Sanscritice Berber or Barbarians;) and the fashion has often prevailed of adopting into their order some of the more savage inhabitants of the remote hills, called Khonds, as also even Mussulmans and Telingas. It is well known that they are paid by service lands, which they cultivate with their own hands in time of peace, subject to the performance of military and rude police duties whenever called upon by their chiefs. Abulfazl states the number of Paiks or zemindari militia (in the original, Sipah-i-zemindari) liable to be required for the service of the state according to the conditions of the tenure of the zemindars, at about 1,55,000 for the present districts of Cuttack and Midnapore, which probably formed but a small part of the entire force maintained by those chiefs. The Paiks of this part of the country are divided into three ranks distinguished by names taken from their occupations or the weapons which they use chiefly, viz. 1st. The Pahris, who carry a large shield made of wood covered with hides and strengthened by knobs and circles of iron, and the long straight national sword of Orissa, called the khanda. They are stationed chiefly as guards. 2nd. The Banua, who use the match-lock principally now (in lieu of their old missile weapons), but have besides a small shield and sword. It was their duty to take the field principally and go on distant expeditions. 3rdly. The Dhenkiyas who are armed with bows and arrows, and a sword, and perform all sorts of duties.