Paik (soldier)

Paik were foot soldiers during the medieval period in India. They were used in offensive and defensive combat specialised in archery.[1]

History

Delhi sultanate

During the rule of the Delhi Sultanate, Paiks were foot soldiers utilized in both offensive and defensive combat who specialized primarily in archery. These skilled Bengali archers were highly sought after and prioritized during military recruitment, receiving a fixed salary. They remain distinct from the village constables hired by Bengali Zamindars from the Chaur community, who were also referred to as Paiks.[1]

Assam

The official record of Aurangzeb state that the king of Assam, Rudra Singha collected around 4 lakh Paik to fight with Bengal in 1714. Out of 4 lakh paik, 2.6 lakh were Kanri paik or foot soldiers. Paik were engaged in building embarkment, clearing forest, construction of roads, houses, royal palace and employed as soldiers.[2]

Odisha

In Odisha, Paik were foot soldiers employed by kings until British rule.[3] During Paika Rebellion, Paika rebelled against Company rule in India in 1817 in Khurdha.[4]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Athar, ALI (1994). "The "Paik" in the Army of Delhi Sultans During the 13Th Century (Summary)". Proceedings of the Indian History Congress. 55. Indian History Congress: 404–406. JSTOR 44143381. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  2. ↑ Jahnabi Gogoi (2002). "Agrarian System of Medieval Assam". Concept Publishing Company. ISBN 8170229677. Retrieved 30 September 2022.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: periodical has ISBN (link)
  3. ↑ "Soldiers' dance". telegraphindia. 29 August 2011. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  4. ↑ Kalia, Ravi (1994). Bhubaneswar: From a Temple Town to a Capital City. Southern Illinois University Press. p. 31. ISBN 9780809318766.
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