The earlier life of Hiroji is uncertain. Some works by him are known. Such as in 1656, Hiroji and Moropant were entrusted with the construction of the Pratapgad fort by King Shivaji.[4] For the navy, King Shivaji wanted a strong sea fort which is far away from Siddi's Janjira fort. Therefore, on the order of King Shivaji, in 1664 Hiroji built the sea fort of Sindhudurg.[1] In 1674 on the order of King Shivaji, Hiroji built Raigad fort the second capital of the Maratha Empire in place of the old Rairi fort.[2]
There are two contemporary records of Hiroji's business and transaction activities:
A letter dated back to 9 September 1675 from Pune Archives addressed to Balaji Kukaji Prabhu Havaldar and Karkun of Pargana Shirwal mentioning Patilki of Kikwi, which was sold to Hiroji Indulkar by Malharji Nigde Deshmukh, is returned to the original holder Mandaji Nigde.[5]
A transaction record from 1686 mentions a transaction of 17 Hons between Kondaji Damodar Sabnies and Gopalsheth under the guarantee of Hiroji Indulkar.[6]
Legacy
It is said that when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj saw the fort of Raigad built by Hiroji, he asked Hiroji what he wanted as a gift. Then Hiroji asked the King to gift him a small tile with the carving of his (Hiroji) name on it, accompanied by a condition, that the tile should be placed at the entrance of Jagadeeshwar Temple so that whenever the King visits the Temple, his foot would touch Hiroji's name and with that, the King will visit the temple daily.[7] The tile mentioning the words "Seveche thayi tatpar, Hiroji Indulkar" (always ready for service, Hiroji Indulkar) can be seen at the footsteps of the entrance of Jagadeeshwar Temple.[2]
Hiroji Indulkar stone carving
In popular culture
In movie Farzand, Hiroji Indulkar's role was performed by Rajan Bhise.[8]
