Paik System (PART-01)

Paik System: Compulsory Labor Service

What is Paik System?

Paik System Compulsory Labor Service or State development Service. One of the unique features of the entire Ahom administration. Because the Paik system considered as a ‘Socio-economic and military organization’. And also it was the foundation of the entire Ahom Kingdom administrative structure. The whole economy of the Ahom’s depended on Paik System. Paik system was introduced during the time of the Ahom king Pratap Singha. And systematically implemented by ‘Momai Tamuly Borbarua’ in 1608 (successfully in 1658). In this system every adult and an able male between the age of 16 to 50 was considered as Paik for State Development Service.

Structure of the Paik system

A ‘Paik Got’ was formed with 4 members. One Paik called or known as ‘Powa’, and the other three Paiks of a unit were called as : ‘Mul, Dewal and Tewal”.The Paiks and their phoids were organized under the system of khels. Basically, they were divided into two classes, such as: Kari (lower grade) and Chamua or Bishaya (upper grade).

Though they could move up to Chamua,eg:‘Saikia, Hazarika, Bora,Tamuly, Pachani’. Kari Paik’s were liable to compulsory service. And Broadly Paik’s were grouped into two categories, such as: soldier and laborer’s. Archery soldiers were the most important class.

Paiks and their khels were well organized under a gradation system : i.e : Bora-20 paiks , Saikia -100 paiks, Hazarika-1000 pains, Phukan-6000 paiks and Rajkhowa- Governor of a territory, Barua -Superintending officer. Phukan , Rajkhowa , Hazarika , Barua were nominated by the King. Bora and Saikia were appointed by their respective Phukans and Rajkhowas. Paik system had a great impact on the Society and Assam’s social life. Titles like “Saikia, Hazarika and Bora are the Paik titles.

There are Five branches of Paik armed forces, such as infantry, navy, cavalry, artillery and elephant divisions. But infantry and navy were the most important units under the Paik system.

Functions of Paiks

Functions and works of a Paik, such as bows, arrows, boats, houses, roads etc.

Benefits as a Paik:

As Paik soldiers(members), they were not paid by the Royal or administrative. Though, they were allowed to use the agricultural land for free or without paying any taxes. They used to maintain their family with this free land. According to their ranks and status, they enjoyed different benefits.

Paik system category

Originally Paiks were organized by Phoids (Clans). But after the 17th-century Paiks were re-grouped as Khels. Small Unit of the Paik's known as 'got'. with 4 Paiks considered as a got. There are about four types of Paik got. Every got had to send their members for any Public works for rotational basis.

Paik System: Compulsory Labor Service.

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