Ahom Paik System: Organisation, Functions & MCQs

The Paik System in Ahom Assam: Organisation, Functions, Administration and Historical Importance – MCQs

Introduction

The Paik System was one of the most important institutions of the Ahom state. It linked the organisation of manpower with administration, agriculture, military service and public works. Instead of relying primarily on a cash-based taxation system, the Ahom state obtained substantial service from its subjects through the obligation known as paik service.

The system developed alongside the expansion and consolidation of the Ahom kingdom. Adult male subjects were generally organised for state service, and paiks could be employed in military duties as well as agriculture, construction, irrigation, transport and other public works. The organisation of paiks through units and officials helped the Ahom state mobilise manpower across its territories.

The Paik System should therefore be understood not simply as a military arrangement but as an important administrative and socio-economic institution of the Ahom kingdom.

Key Features of the Ahom Paik System

Feature	Description
Paik	A person liable for service to the Ahom state
Main basis	Compulsory/obligatory personal service
Military role	Supplying manpower for warfare
Civil role	Agriculture, construction, irrigation and other public works
Khel	Important organisational/social unit associated with paiks
Bora	Officer associated with a group of about 20 paiks
Saikia	Officer associated with about 100 paiks
Hazarika	Officer associated with about 1,000 paiks
State significance	Mobilisation of labour, soldiers and public manpower
Historical importance	Supported Ahom administration, economy, defence and state-building

The Government of Assam describes Hazarika, Saikia and Bora as officials associated respectively with approximately 1,000, 100 and 20 paiks.

MCQs: The Paik System of the Ahom Kingdom

1. What was the Paik System primarily associated with in the Ahom kingdom?

A. Cash taxation only
B. Compulsory service to the state
C. Temple administration only
D. Maritime trade

Correct Answer: B. Compulsory service to the state

Explanation:
The Paik System was fundamentally based on the obligation of subjects to render service to the Ahom state. Such service could include military duties, agriculture, construction, irrigation and other forms of public work. Thus, the system was much broader than a military recruitment arrangement.

2. Who were generally known as paiks in the Ahom administrative system?

A. Foreign merchants
B. Royal priests
C. Subjects liable for state service
D. Members of the royal family

Correct Answer: C. Subjects liable for state service

Explanation:
A paik was a person subject to an obligation of service to the Ahom state. The institution enabled the state to organise manpower for both military and civilian purposes. The term is therefore closely connected with the administrative and socio-economic structure of Ahom Assam.

3. Which of the following was NOT a major function associated with the Paik System?

A. Military service
B. Construction of public works
C. Irrigation-related work
D. Exclusive collection of customs duties from foreign traders

Correct Answer: D. Exclusive collection of customs duties from foreign traders

Explanation:
Paiks were used for a variety of state services, particularly military service, agriculture and public works. Construction of dams and irrigation works was also important. The Paik System was not an institution created exclusively for collecting customs duties from foreign merchants.

4. The Paik System helped the Ahom state primarily by providing:

A. A large organised manpower base
B. A European-style standing army
C. A network of overseas colonies
D. A system of coin-based banking

Correct Answer: A. A large organised manpower base

Explanation:
One of the principal strengths of the Paik System was its ability to mobilise manpower. The state could call upon organised groups of subjects for military campaigns, agricultural work, construction and other public purposes. This contributed substantially to the functioning and durability of the Ahom state.

5. Which Ahom administrative unit was closely associated with the organisation of paiks?

A. Khel
B. Sarkar
C. Pargana
D. Subah

Correct Answer: A. Khel

Explanation:
The khel was an important unit of Ahom social and administrative organisation. Paiks were organised into groups and associated with khels, which could have occupational, territorial or service-related characteristics. The khel system helped the state organise manpower efficiently.

6. According to Government of Assam historical material, a Bora was associated with approximately how many paiks?

A. 10
B. 20
C. 100
D. 1,000

Correct Answer: B. 20

Explanation:
Government of Assam material describes the hierarchy in which a Bora commanded approximately 20 paiks, a Saikia approximately 100, and a Hazarika approximately 1,000. These figures are important for competitive examinations because they demonstrate the graded organisation of Ahom manpower.

7. A Saikia in the Ahom administrative system was traditionally associated with approximately:

A. 20 paiks
B. 50 paiks
C. 100 paiks
D. 500 paiks

Correct Answer: C. 100 paiks

Explanation:
The title Saikia is associated with a group of approximately 100 paiks in the commonly cited administrative hierarchy. The terminology reflects the organisation of manpower under graded officials. It is an important factual association for Assam history examinations.

8. A Hazarika was traditionally associated with approximately how many paiks?

A. 20
B. 100
C. 500
D. 1,000

Correct Answer: D. 1,000

Explanation:
A Hazarika was associated with approximately 1,000 paiks. The sequence frequently tested in examinations is Bora – 20, Saikia – 100, Hazarika – 1,000. These officers formed part of the organisational structure through which manpower could be mobilised.

9. Which sequence correctly represents the approximate numerical association in the Ahom Paik hierarchy?

A. Bora–20, Saikia–100, Hazarika–1,000
B. Bora–100, Saikia–20, Hazarika–500
C. Bora–10, Saikia–50, Hazarika–100
D. Bora–1,000, Saikia–100, Hazarika–20

Correct Answer: A. Bora–20, Saikia–100, Hazarika–1,000

Explanation:
The commonly cited hierarchy places the Bora at approximately 20 paiks, the Saikia at approximately 100, and the Hazarika at approximately 1,000. Memorising this ascending sequence is useful for Assam-specific competitive examinations.

10. Which statement best describes the economic importance of the Paik System?

A. It completely eliminated agriculture from the Ahom economy
B. It linked state obligations with labour and productive activities
C. It depended entirely on imported silver coins
D. It was restricted to merchant guilds

Correct Answer: B. It linked state obligations with labour and productive activities

Explanation:
The Paik System connected the state’s manpower requirements with productive activities such as agriculture, irrigation and construction. This allowed the Ahom administration to obtain labour and services without relying exclusively on a monetary tax system.

11. Which activity could be performed by paiks during periods without active warfare?

A. Construction and maintenance of public works
B. Foreign diplomatic missions exclusively
C. Minting all royal coins
D. Appointment of kings

Correct Answer: A. Construction and maintenance of public works

Explanation:
Paiks were not continuously engaged in warfare. During peacetime, they could perform agricultural, construction and other public works. Historical descriptions specifically associate Ahom paiks with activities such as dams, irrigation systems and other public works.

12. Which of the following best explains the military importance of the Paik System?

A. It provided a mechanism for mobilising manpower for war
B. It abolished all forms of military organisation
C. It depended entirely on foreign mercenaries
D. It prevented peasants from participating in defence

Correct Answer: A. It provided a mechanism for mobilising manpower for war

Explanation:
Military mobilisation was an important function of the Paik System. Adult male subjects liable for service could be organised and deployed when required. This gave the Ahom state access to a substantial manpower pool during periods of conflict.

13. The Paik System is best understood as which type of institution?

A. Only a religious institution
B. Only a commercial institution
C. A combined administrative, military and labour institution
D. Only a judicial institution

Correct Answer: C. A combined administrative, military and labour institution

Explanation:
The Paik System operated across several areas of Ahom state activity. It supplied soldiers, agricultural labour and workers for public projects. Consequently, it should be studied as a broad state institution rather than as merely an army recruitment mechanism.

14. Which factor made the Paik System particularly useful to the Ahom state?

A. It enabled organised mobilisation of manpower
B. It eliminated the need for agriculture
C. It removed the authority of the Ahom king
D. It prevented territorial expansion

Correct Answer: A. It enabled organised mobilisation of manpower

Explanation:
The strength of the system lay in its capacity to organise the human resources of the kingdom. Military campaigns, agricultural production and public works all required manpower, and the Paik System provided an administrative framework for obtaining and distributing that labour.

15. Which of the following is correctly matched?

A. Bora — approximately 20 paiks
B. Saikia — approximately 20 paiks
C. Hazarika — approximately 100 paiks
D. Paik — royal priest

Correct Answer: A. Bora — approximately 20 paiks

Explanation:
The commonly cited Ahom administrative hierarchy associates Bora with about 20 paiks, Saikia with about 100, and Hazarika with about 1,000. A paik himself was a person liable for state service, not a priestly official.

16. What was the relationship between the Paik System and agriculture?

A. Paiks could be required to undertake agricultural work
B. Agriculture was prohibited for paiks
C. Only foreign merchants cultivated land
D. Agriculture was completely separated from state administration

Correct Answer: A. Paiks could be required to undertake agricultural work

Explanation:
Agriculture was central to the Ahom economy, and the Paik System helped organise manpower for productive work. The state could therefore connect administrative obligations with cultivation and related activities. This was particularly important in a predominantly agrarian society.

17. Which historical source describes the Ahom state as relying significantly upon the service obligation of paiks?

A. Imperial Gazetteer-based historical account
B. Arthashastra alone
C. Ain-i-Akbari alone
D. Rajatarangini alone

Correct Answer: A. Imperial Gazetteer-based historical account

Explanation:
An IGNCA-hosted historical account explicitly discusses the Ahom administrative system through an account based on the Imperial Gazetteer of India, describing the obligation of personal service and the organisation of paiks. Such historical descriptions are useful when studied alongside Ahom chronicles and other evidence.

18. Why was the Paik System important for Ahom public works?

A. It supplied organised labour for state projects
B. It prohibited irrigation
C. It replaced agriculture with trade
D. It limited construction to temples

Correct Answer: A. It supplied organised labour for state projects

Explanation:
Large states required substantial labour for infrastructure. Under the Paik System, subjects could be mobilised for construction, irrigation and other public works. NCERT/SATHEE specifically notes the use of paiks for dams, irrigation systems and other public works.

19. Which of the following best illustrates the connection between the Paik System and Ahom state-building?

A. Manpower was organised for both production and defence
B. The state abandoned agriculture
C. Military and civilian administration were completely separated
D. The system was used only in the capital

Correct Answer: A. Manpower was organised for both production and defence

Explanation:
The Paik System integrated several requirements of state-building. The same broad manpower organisation supported agricultural production, public works and military mobilisation. This helped the Ahom administration maintain a strong territorial state over a long period.

20. Which Ahom administrative titles are directly associated with numerical groups of paiks?

A. Bora, Saikia and Hazarika
B. Burhagohain, Borgohain and Barpatra Gohain
C. Borphukan, Barbarua and Rajkhowa
D. Chao-Pha, Swargadeo and Deodhai

Correct Answer: A. Bora, Saikia and Hazarika

Explanation:
Bora, Saikia and Hazarika are the titles commonly associated with graded numerical groups of paiks. The Great Gohains were senior ministers, while Borphukan and Barbarua were important high-ranking offices with different responsibilities.

21. Which statement about the Paik System is most accurate?

A. It was exclusively a system of military conscription
B. It combined military service with civilian and productive duties
C. It was introduced by the British
D. It existed only after 1826

Correct Answer: B. It combined military service with civilian and productive duties

Explanation:
The Paik System had a broad administrative purpose. Paiks could serve in the army but were also engaged in agriculture, construction, irrigation and other public works. Therefore, defining it merely as military conscription gives an incomplete picture.

22. What was one important consequence of organising people into khels?

A. It facilitated administrative and occupational organisation
B. It abolished all local communities
C. It ended agricultural production
D. It prevented the state from mobilising manpower

Correct Answer: A. It facilitated administrative and occupational organisation

Explanation:
Khels were important units in Ahom social and administrative organisation. They helped structure groups of people according to locality, occupation or service relationships. This strengthened the state’s ability to organise manpower and resources. NCERT/SATHEE also identifies the khel as an important feature of Ahom society.

23. Which statement correctly connects the Paik System with Ahom military organisation?

A. Paiks formed an important manpower base for military mobilisation
B. Paiks were forbidden from serving in the army
C. Ahom rulers depended only on European soldiers
D. The system was unrelated to warfare

Correct Answer: A. Paiks formed an important manpower base for military mobilisation

Explanation:
The Ahom state needed a substantial pool of manpower for warfare. Paik obligations enabled the state to mobilise adult male subjects when military service was required. This helped connect the civil population with the defence structure of the kingdom.

24. Which historical institution is most closely connected with the organisation of paiks into social and service groups?

A. Khel
B. Pargana
C. Sarkar
D. Mansab

Correct Answer: A. Khel

Explanation:
The khel was an important organisational institution within Ahom society. Paiks were grouped through such structures, allowing the administration to organise people according to locality, occupation and service obligations. The terms sarkar and pargana belong more strongly to other administrative traditions, particularly Mughal and later regional arrangements.

25. Which statement best explains why historians consider the Paik System important to Ahom administration?

A. It connected manpower, economy, military organisation and public works
B. It was solely a religious ceremony
C. It functioned only as a system of royal succession
D. It was introduced during British colonial rule

Correct Answer: A. It connected manpower, economy, military organisation and public works

Explanation:
The Paik System was fundamental because it linked several dimensions of Ahom governance. It helped the state mobilise soldiers, agricultural labour and workers for infrastructure. Its importance therefore extended beyond one administrative department and became part of the wider organisation of Ahom society and government.

Important Numerical Facts for Revision

Official/Term	Approximate Association
Bora	20 paiks
Saikia	100 paiks
Hazarika	1,000 paiks
Paik	Person liable for state service
Khel	Important social/service organisation

Exam Tip: Remember the ascending numerical sequence:

Bora → 20 → Saikia → 100 → Hazarika → 1,000

This is one of the most useful factual associations for Assam History MCQs. Government of Assam historical material provides this hierarchy.

Paik System vs Ordinary Taxation

The Paik System should not be confused with a simple monetary taxation system.

Under a conventional cash-tax arrangement, the state primarily seeks monetary revenue. The Ahom Paik System, by contrast, placed considerable emphasis on personal service. A subject could contribute through military service, cultivation, construction, irrigation and other state requirements.

This arrangement was particularly suited to an agrarian society where labour and manpower were important resources.

Paik System and Ahom State Formation

The development of the Paik System was closely related to the growth of the Ahom kingdom. As Ahom territory expanded, the administration needed mechanisms for:

Mobilising soldiers
Organising agricultural production
Maintaining irrigation
Constructing public infrastructure
Distributing labour obligations
Integrating populations into the state structure
Supporting military campaigns
Maintaining administrative control over a large territory

The system therefore contributed to the transformation of the Ahom kingdom into a highly organised regional state.

Paik System and Khel Organisation

The khel was an important feature of Ahom society. Historical accounts indicate that Ahom society was organised into clans or khels, and a khel could be connected with several villages. The organisation of people into such units made it easier for the state to coordinate labour and other obligations.

The khel system should therefore be studied together with the Paik System rather than as an entirely separate institution.

Paik System and Public Works

One of the most important civilian dimensions of the system was the mobilisation of manpower for public works.

Paiks could participate in:

Construction of dams
Irrigation works
Roads and other infrastructure
Agricultural activities
Fortification-related works
Other projects required by the state

The ability to mobilise labour on a large scale was an important feature of Ahom state capacity. NCERT/SATHEE specifically associates paiks with military service and public works such as dams and irrigation systems.

Historical Sources for Studying the Paik System

The Paik System can be studied through several categories of historical evidence:

Buranjis – Ahom historical chronicles containing information about rulers, warfare, administration and society.
Ahom and Tai manuscripts – Important primary-source materials preserved by institutions such as the Directorate of Historical and Antiquarian Studies.
Administrative and historical accounts – Later historical works provide additional descriptions of Ahom institutions.
Archaeological evidence – Material remains help researchers understand settlement, fortification, infrastructure and state organisation.
Modern historical scholarship – Historians compare textual, archaeological and other evidence to reconstruct Ahom institutions.

The Directorate of Historical and Antiquarian Studies states that its Ahom Studies section preserves manuscripts in Ahom and other Tai languages and works on the study and preservation of these materials.

Common Examination Traps

Trap 1: Paik = Soldier only

Incorrect. Paiks could perform military as well as agricultural, construction and other public duties.

Trap 2: Bora = 100 paiks

Incorrect in the commonly cited hierarchy. Bora is associated with about 20 paiks.

Trap 3: Saikia = 1,000 paiks

Incorrect. Saikia is associated with about 100 paiks.

Trap 4: Hazarika = 100 paiks

Incorrect. Hazarika is associated with about 1,000 paiks.

Trap 5: Khel was only a military unit

Incorrect. Khel had broader social, occupational and administrative significance.

Trap 6: Paik System was a British institution

Incorrect. It was an important institution of the pre-colonial Ahom state.

Targeting Exams

This lesson is particularly useful for:

Assam State-Level Exams

APSC Combined Competitive Examination
Assam Police Recruitment Examinations
ADRE / Assam Direct Recruitment examinations
Assam Grade III and Grade IV examinations
Assam Secretariat recruitment examinations
Assam TET / Special TET
Other Assam government recruitment examinations

National-Level Exams

UPSC Civil Services Examination
SSC examinations
Railway Recruitment examinations
CAPF examinations
Other General Studies examinations

Teaching Examinations

CTET
State TET examinations
Teacher recruitment examinations involving Indian History and regional history

Other Competitive Exams

University and college entrance examinations
Assam History and Culture examinations
General Knowledge and General Studies examinations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What was the Paik System of the Ahoms?

The Paik System was an important Ahom administrative institution based on the obligation of subjects to provide service to the state.

2. What was the main purpose of the Paik System?

Its major purpose was to organise and mobilise manpower for military, agricultural, construction, irrigation and other state activities.

3. Who was a paik?

A paik was a person liable to render service to the Ahom state.

4. What was the role of a Bora?

A Bora was an official associated with approximately 20 paiks in the commonly cited Ahom administrative hierarchy.

5. How many paiks were associated with a Saikia?

A Saikia was associated with approximately 100 paiks.

6. How many paiks were associated with a Hazarika?

A Hazarika was associated with approximately 1,000 paiks.

7. What was a khel?

A khel was an important social and organisational unit in Ahom society, associated with the grouping and organisation of people.

8. Were paiks only soldiers?

No. Paiks could perform military duties as well as agricultural work, construction, irrigation and other public services.

9. Why was the Paik System important to the Ahom state?

It enabled the state to organise a large manpower base and connect military, economic and public-service requirements.

10. Which sources help historians study the Paik System?

Buranjis, Ahom and Tai manuscripts, archaeological evidence and later historical accounts are important sources for studying Ahom administration and society.

Key Takeaways

Paik = person liable for state service.
The Paik System was broader than military recruitment.
Paiks could serve in warfare, agriculture and public works.
Khel was an important organisational unit.
Bora → 20 paiks
Saikia → 100 paiks
Hazarika → 1,000 paiks
The system helped the Ahom state mobilise manpower.
It connected administration, economy, military organisation and public works.
The Paik System was an important component of Ahom state-building.
Buranjis and Ahom/Tai manuscripts are significant sources for reconstructing Ahom administrative history.

One-Line Revision Formula