Bhubaneswar, Sept. 28 -- The traditional martial arts of the Paikas took centre stage at the second Khordha Heritage Walk (KHW) on Sunday, with young practitioners demonstrating combat techniques and indigenous weapons under the guidance of Paika Guru Kabiraj Pradhan.
The walk highlighted the warrior tradition of the erstwhile Khordha kingdom and its historic association with the Paika Rebellion of 1817 against British rule. The Paikas served as the kingdom's military force and were organised across forts to defend its territories.
Pradhan explained the use of traditional weapons including swords, Urmi, a wavy iron sword-like weapon, Laudi or long fighting sticks, knives and shields. The Paika Akhadas served as centres for training and pr...