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One of the earliest freedom fighters, BakshiJagabandhu, led the Paika Rebellion in 1817 to revolt the land revenue policy of the British.

The Paikas (foot soldiers), were a class of military retainers that had been recruited since the 16th century by kings in Odisha from various social groups to render martial services in return for hereditary rent-free land and titles.The advent of the British and establishment of colonial rule brought new land revenue settlements, which led to the Paikas losing their estates.

During the course of the rebellion, government buildings in Banapur were set on fire, policemen and British officials were killed, and the treasury was looted. The uprising lasted for a few months but was eventually crushed by the trained forces of the East India Company. Bakshi escaped to the jungles, and ultimately surrendered in 1825 under negotiated terms.

The foundation stone for the Paika Memorial was laid in 2017, to mark 200 years since the rebellion. The memorial is to be developed in a 10-acre plot at the bottom of Barunei Hill in Odisha’s Khordha district.