Khordha Heritage Walk Explores Paika Martial Traditions, Sacred Sites

Khordha: Traditional Paika martial arts took centre stage during the second Khordha Heritage Walks on Sunday, as young Paikas demonstrated indigenous combat techniques and weapons before heritage enthusiasts exploring the region’s military and cultural legacy.

Led by Paika Guru Kabiraj Pradhan, the young practitioners demonstrated the use of traditional weapons including swords, Urmi—a wavy iron sword-like weapon—Laudi or long fighting sticks, knives and shields. The demonstrations offered participants a glimpse into a martial tradition that was once central to the military organisation of the Khordha kingdom.

The Paikas formed the military backbone of the Bhoi dynasty’s Khordha kingdom and were organised across different forts to defend the kingdom and its territories. Their martial tradition was also closely linked to local communities, with village deities serving as important objects of worship and spiritual anchors for the warriors.

Paika Guru Pradhan explained that rigorous training in traditional weapons and combat techniques was an integral part of the tradition. The Paika Akhadas served as centres for training, discipline and the preservation of these martial skills.

The military legacy of the Paikas is also associated with figures such as Jayee Rajguru and Buxi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar, the military chief of the Khordha king, who played prominent roles during the Paika Rebellion of 1817.

The heritage walk began at the sacred Dhabaleswar Temple, where participants explored the shrine’s history, traditions and rituals. Badrinarayan Sahu, a member of the temple trust board, spoke about the temple’s heritage and cultural practices, while educationist and historian Satyabadi Baliarsingh also interacted with the participants.

An inscription discovered on the floor of the temple’s marriage hall added another layer to the exploration. The inscription mentions several names along with the year 1344 AD. Its historical context provides a clue to the temple’s past, although further epigraphic study would be required to establish its exact date and significance.

The walkers later proceeded to Maa Anlei Thakurani Temple at Wilkinson Nagar, popularly known as Saheb Nuagaon. Senior journalist Gopal Pradhan spoke about the history, rituals and festivals associated with the shrine and also discussed the historical background of Wilkinson Nagar and the origin of its name.

The walk brought together senior journalists, historians, heritage enthusiasts and participants from different parts of Odisha, including Puri, Cuttack, Parikud and Pipili. Samarendra Baliarsingh, Prabhat Panigrahi, Dilip Pattnaik and Pradeep Sahu were among those who participated, along with KHW convener Jyotsna Mohapatra.

The second edition of Khordha Heritage Walks sought to connect younger generations with the region’s sacred traditions, local history and living heritage, while bringing greater attention to the Paika martial culture that remains an important part of Khordha’s historical identity.