The former spelling is an alternate transcription of the proper Sanskrit akhara in which the Oriya letter ଡ଼ ṛ, a flapped [ɽ] sound, is rendered as d as in most Indian languages.
These were the Pahari, bearers of shields and the khanda (sword), the Banua who led distant expeditions and the Dhenkiya – archers who also performed different duties in armies.
Company troops sent to quell the rebellion were met with sustained attacks from the paika, with the commander of one detachment being killed in action during a battle at Gangpada.
To ensure such a revolt would not repeat itself, the Company administration undertook vigorous steps to suppress the martial practices of Odisha.
Once exclusive to men, Soubaghini Debi became the first female performer a few decades ago, opening the art to both genders.
[7] To conserve and promote the art, the government of Odisha has proposed to establish a Paika Akhada Academy in the Gajapati district.
[6] The art is performed along with other war-dances and fighting styles during the annual Kalinga Mahotsav festival at the Vishwa Shanti Stupa.