The legend of Buxi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar Mohapatra Bhramarbar Ray, leader of the historic Paika Revolt of 1817 in Khordha, will be showcased in a new series namely ‘Vidrohi’ to be aired on Star Plus and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar soon.
A trailer of ‘Vidrohi’, which has been released by the channel, features Buxi Jagabandhu being stopped by British force from entering Jagannath Temple in Puri. Subsequently, Buxi Jagabandhu’s associates give a befitting reply to British force by attacking them with bows and arrows. Notably, the Khordha Paikas led by Buxi Jagabandhu had raised their voice against heavy taxation and encroachment of the tax-free lands and restriction on salt by the British Government. Buxi Jagabandhu was a great fighter and well-adept in horse-riding, axe-fighting and guerilla warfare. Starting from the year of 1817, the Paika Revolt ended after a period of 10 long years. The British Government imprisoned Buxi Jagabandhu in Cuttack, where he breathed his last on January 24, 1829.
President Ram Nath Kovind in 2019 laid foundation-stone for a Paika Rebellion Memorial at the Barunei Hill in Khordha, for which the State Government has provided 10 acres of land. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had demanded that the Centre recognise the Paika Rebellion as the first war of India’s independence.
