The word `Paika` is derived from the Sanskrit word `Padatika` which means the infantry. The Paika dance of Bihar has a martial art character and is performed with shields and swords. This dance displays the skills & the ability of the dancers to handle these weapons. Hence, the name of the dance is Paika (battle) dance. The dance reaches its climax with the fast beats produced by `Mandal`.
For all such special occasions, grounds are purposely prepared with soft earth sprinkled with oil and water. The tradition of this dance is carried throughout the huge area of tribal belt of Mayurbhanj. Men as warriors appear for the performance, in their colorful turbans and tight dhoties and stand in two rows. Holding the wooden swords and shields in their hands, warriors engage in a fierce mock-combat. They come forward slowly towards each other, but the tempo of the performance increases suddenly. This indicates the beginning of the battle and with it they whirl their swords and attack each other.
In olden days, the powerful Ganga and Gajapati rulers of Orissa extended their territory borders from the river Ganges in the north to Godavari in the south with the help of a vast army of valiant Paikas, for which, these received huge land grants from the kings. They formed the rank of a peasant-military; agriculture was their main earning source, but they often keep themselves ready with regular practice and training of the war techniques. Most of the Paika villages of state have maintained the older tradition of Paika Akhada. Paika Akhada is the village gymnasium where young people assemble in the evening after completing their work. Along with performing the traditional physical exercises at Paika Akhada, they also dance with sword and shield with the accompaniment of the country-drums.
During the festival of Dussera, all the Akhadas celebrate their annual festivals and display traditional gymnastics, acrobatics during the various village-groups competitive performances. Each group participates with great enthusiasm in such occasions.
