PAIKA NRUTYA(DANCE) OF ODISHA,INDIA.

PAIKA NRUTYA(DANCE) OF ODISHA.
The word Paika is derived from the Sanskrit word Padatika meaning the infantry, and hence the name of the dance, battle (Paika) dance (Nrutya). In olden days the powerful Ganga and Gajapati rulers of Odisha extended their territory from the river Ganges in the North to Godavari in the South of India with the help of a vast army of valiant Paikas. The brave Paikas had also raised their voice of rebellion against the Biritish rulers. The Paikas of Khorda did not allow the British to enter the region and that is why Khorda is known as the last freedom fort of India.
Paiks were not in the regular pay-role of the army, but received huge land grants from the kings and the chieftains. They formed the rank of a peasant-militia. Though agriculture was their main occupation they used to keep themselves prepared by regular practice and training in war techniques. Several village-groups were under the command of a Dala Behera or group-commander. Most of the Paika villages of Odisha, spread all over the state have maintained the older tradition of Paika Akhada - the village gymnasium where young people assemble in the evening after the day's work. Along with traditional physical exercises, they dance with sword and shield in hand to the accompaniment of the country-drum. Only through years of dedicated practice, the dancers master the precision and agility that is the hallmark of the Paika dance.

The primary aim of this dance was the development of physical excitement and consequently courage, in the dancing warriors. In ancient times this was unconsciously a rehearsal of battle.
At present during the festival of Dussera all the Akhadas celebrate their annual festival. In several prosperous villages, display of traditional gymnastics, acrobatics and the dance by various village-groups are arranged on competitive basis. Each group participates with great enthusiasm. For all such display special grounds are prepared with soft earth sprinkled with oil and water.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• PAIKA
• NRUTYA
• DANCE
• ODISHA
• KHORDA

[mailw1n]

**** = "Pretty cool".

The text is also informative!

Thank you for posting this!