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
[edit]Delhi sultanate
[edit]During the rule of the Delhi Sultanate, Paik were foot soldiers used in offensive and defensive combat. They were specialised in archery.The skilled archers from Bengal, known as the Paiks, were highly sought after and given priority during recruitment.Paiks salary was fixed.[1]
Assam
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b 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.
- ^ Jahnabi Gogoi (2002). "Agrarian System of Medieval Assam". Concept Publishing Company. ISBN 8170229677. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ "Soldiers' dance". telegraphindia. 29 August 2011. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ Kalia, Ravi (1994). Bhubaneswar: From a Temple Town to a Capital City. Southern Illinois University Press. p. 31. ISBN 9780809318766.