Khurda played a significant role in the history of Odisha. Its contribution is remarkable specially in the field of military activities during Mughal, Maratha and British. The Paikas of Khurda sacrificed their lives for the sake of motherland. All Paikas strongly protested to Britishers in their areas.
They participated in a great movement against Britishers known as Paika rebellion of 1817. The heroic role of Paikas at the time of that uprising movement is remembered for ever. Khurda the last independent fort of India glorifies its importance. Khurda was also the last greatest fort of Hindu ruler.

In medieval period the magnificent fort of Khurda is known as "Jagannatha Katak". This fort witnessed the heroic activities of Paikas when they bravely fought against mighty Britishers. The History of the formation of the important fort is interesting. After the murder of Mukundadev in 1568 A.D. at Gohiratikra, Odisha lost her independence.
Coming under the occupation of the Muslims of Bengal, there were more disturbance, anarchy, and confusion in the entire kingdom. Rama Chandra Dev who was the son of Prime Minister Danai Vidyadhar of Bhoi dyanasty, established his capital at Khurda on the foot of Barunei hill.
He received this place as a gift from Vala Vikram Singh of Kholapala. Bagha Patra of Kokkal, Jhadu Parida of Ghoradia and Sarani Patra of Mallipada these three persons had provided their support to Rama Chandra Dev for the construction of the Khurda Kingdom. Rama Chandra Dev named his new capital Jagannathpur Katak, after the name of Lord Jagannatha, the deity that was first reinstalled here after the sacrilege of Kalapathara.

Karunei and Barunei are two deities of Khurda Bhoi dynasty. Jaya Durga and Kanak Durga worshipped in the residence of the priest are considered to be the substitutes of the presiding deities. During Dusshera these two Durga images were brought to Barunei pitha for worship.
After shifting of Bhoi dynasty capital to Puri Jaya Durga and Kanak Durga were also taken and installed there. Karunei and Barunei continued to remain in their original shrine on the foot of the Barunei hill. During Dusshera sarees and mahaprasad of Jagannath temple are sent to Karunei and Barunei.
It is said that Gajapati Purusottam Deva after defeating the king of Kanchi had brought Ganesh, Sakhigopal, Karunei and Barunei. Barunei and Karunei regarded as khetreswari of Khurda fort and worshipped by the Paika community.
It is mentioned that the muslim invaders undermined the Sakti of Devi by sacrificing a cattle and defeated the Paikas. A description of twin goddesses are found in "Bata Avakasa" a Oriya work of a great medieval poet Balaram Das.