Resolution passed in Odisha Assembly to demand ‘1st War of Independence’ tag for ‘Paika Bidroha’
Bhubaneswar: Amid ruckus by members of Odisha Assembly for different other reasons, a resolution was passed in the House on Tuesday to recommend the Centre to declare the Paika Bidroha (Paika rebellion) of 1817 as the ‘first war of Independence’.
It is to be noted that recently the Centre had refused to acknowledge the Paika Bidroha as the first war of Independence.
Earlier in July 2017 Odisha government had sought recognition of Paika Bidroha (1817) as the first War of Independence in Indian History on the occasion of the Bi-centenary Celebration of the rebellion.
Back then, Odisha government had said that Paika Bidroha took place a full 40 years before the Sepoy Mutiny (1857), which is considered the first War of Indian Independence. Hence, the Paika Bidroha needs to be given its rightful recognition as the first War of Independence.
The exemplary bravery shown by the Paikas and others against the erstwhile Colonial rule to oust the British reign from Odisha is a tale of great courage and patriotism. The rebellion was so organized and well-structured that it posed a threat to the East India Company. Its impact continued for a considerable period.
The social framework of Paika Rebellion was pluralistic and multi-dimensional. Subsequent freedom movement bore the hall marks of Paika Rebellion. The nature of the revolt was widespread and it was a rebellion in which all sections of people participated. It played the role of a torch bearer and catalyst in shaping future freedom movement, the state government had said.
Kalinga AI