Paik in India

The Paik have only been reported in India
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.

Introduction / History

Paik means "foot soldier." The Paik are a small caste formed from military service. Traditionally, they were the landed militia. During peacetime they were warriors in charge of maintaining order. Paiks were divided into three ranks distinguished by occupation and weapons. One division consisted of shield-and sword-bearers. The group who led distant expeditions carried matchlocks for firearms. Finally came the archers. When the British East India Company conquered the Raja (i. e., leaders) of Khurda in Odisha, however, the Paik lost their power and prestige. The Paik of India live in Odisha and Bihar. In Bihar the Paik speak in Hindi and read and write in Devanagari.


What Are Their Lives Like?

They are mainly landless and work in agriculture, fishing, small business, and as day laborers. In Odisha the Paik speak, read and write in Oriya and speak Hindi too. They eat vegetables, fruit and rice. Marriage is by discussion and a bride price is paid. The divorced and bereaved can marry again. On the death of the father, sons inherit the property with the oldest son becoming the head of the household. They have a community council to look after their needs. Their literacy level is low so the gospel will need to be given in oral form. Their boys are educated more than their girls.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Hinduism is there religion.


Prayer Points

Pray that the Paik councils will open the doors for their people to put Jesus Christ first in their lives. Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers and intercessors for the Paik community. Pray for spiritual discernment and hunger among these Hindus who do not know what Jesus Christ can do for them.


Scripture Prayers for the Paik in India.


Profile Source:   Keith Carey  

Additional Info
Global Prayer Digest: 2016-09-18
People Name General Paik
People Name in Country Paik
Population this Country 260,000
Population all Countries 260,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 5
Alternate Names Khandait; Khandit; Namdhari; Paika; Paiko; पैक
People ID 17813
ROP3 Code 113286
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States on file 12
Largest States
Odisha
241,000
Jharkhand
9,800
Andhra Pradesh
1,600
Maharashtra
1,500
Assam
1,400
West Bengal
900
Chhattisgarh
500
Madhya Pradesh
400
Delhi
200
Tripura
70
Gujarat
50
Rajasthan
10
Districts Interactive map, listing and data download
Specialized Website South Asia Peoples
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States 12
  Odisha 241,000
  Jharkhand 9,800
  Andhra Pradesh 1,600
  Maharashtra 1,500
  Assam 1,400
  West Bengal 900
  Chhattisgarh 500
  Madhya Pradesh 400
  Delhi 200
  Tripura 70
  Gujarat 50
  Rajasthan 10
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical Unknown)
0.27 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
99.73 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Odia (179,000 speakers)
Language Code ory   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 17
Secondary Languages
(only 15 largest shown)
Chhattisgarhi
16,000
Hindi
13,000
Desiya
2,300
Bhatri
1,800
Kui
1,800
Panchpargania
1,500
Pengo
1,100
Magahi
700
Bengali
700
Munda
300
Assamese
200
Kuvi
100
Telugu
100
Kurux
100
Santhali: Karmali
30
Primary Language Odia (179,000 speakers)
Language Code ory   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 17
Secondary Languages (only 15 largest shown)
  Chhattisgarhi 16,000
  Hindi 13,000
  Desiya 2,300
  Bhatri 1,800
  Kui 1,800
  Panchpargania 1,500
  Pengo 1,100
  Magahi 700
  Bengali 700
  Munda 300
  Assamese 200
  Kuvi 100
  Telugu 100
  Kurux 100
  Santhali: Karmali 30
People Groups Speaking Odia
Map Source People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.  
Profile Source Keith Carey  
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Read more