Paika
Paika- Padatika or foot soldier of the mediaeval Orissan army .They were recruited from various castes chiefly from the Khandayata caste. Paika became a caste in course of time .They wear sacred thread at the time of marriage .As foot soldiers they used to enjoy rent -free lands.They cultivated the land and at the time of war joined the army. The paik villages are called Paikari or Paikana villages.













