The Paik or Paika (Odia:ପାଇକ) is a Militia community, found in Odisha state of India.
[1][2][3][4] The Odia word Paika is derived from Padatika or foot soldier.
They were a class of military retainers recruited from a variety of social groups to render martial services in return for hereditary rent-free lands and titles.
Paikas originated from tribal, peasant and pastoralist communities of Odisha.
[12][13] The Paikos are included under Other Backward Class list in the state of Odisha.