Correct Option
The correct option isKandhs
Explanation
The Khurda Uprising, widely known as the Paika Rebellion of 1817, was an armed resistance against British rule in Odisha. It was led by Bakshi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar, the military commander of the King of Khurda, and involved the Paiks (traditional landed militia) who had lost their lands and status under British administration.
Detailed Analysis
- Role of the Kandhs: The rebellion was sparked when a body of Kandhs (Khonds) from the Ghumsur region marched into the Khurda territory in March 1817. They joined forces with the Paiks and other local inhabitants to attack British symbols of authority, such as police stations and treasuries at Banpur. This tribal support was crucial in expanding the scale of the uprising.
- Santhals (Incorrect): The Santhals are associated with the Santhal Hool (1855–56), a major tribal uprising in the Rajmahal Hills (modern-day Jharkhand and West Bengal), which occurred decades after the Paika Rebellion.
- Kols (Incorrect): The Kol Mutiny (1831–32) took place in the Chota Nagpur region, primarily involving the Kol tribe reacting to the transfer of land to outsiders.
- Bhils (Incorrect): The Bhil uprisings occurred in the Khandesh region of Western India (Maharashtra and Gujarat) starting around 1818, geographically distinct from the events in Odisha.
Key Takeaway
The Paika Rebellion (1817) in Odisha was a broad-based uprising where the traditional militia (Paiks) were actively supported by local zamindars and tribes, specifically the Kandhs of Ghumsur.