Hirkani

Villagers living at the foot of Raigad Fort gather at the main gate to trade with those inside the fort. Hirkani is part of this daily rhythm, often selling milk to her regular customers. The fort, perched on the Western Ghats, is surrounded by fortified ramparts that bound the market activity to the gate opening hours.

On a particular morning, Hirkani is kept from leaving home by her child. She rushes to join the market line but is late, delaying her usual milk-selling routine. The delay foreshadows the tension between family duties and gate timings.

By the time she reaches the gate, sunset has already closed the doors for the day. The gate, protected by Mavla, remains shut until the next morning. This marks the risk Hirkani faces trying to balance livelihood with family needs.

Unable to reach the village in time, Hirkani descends from the fort’s ramparts toward the hillside market. During the descent she gets itchy and strikes a rocky outcrop, injuring her hands and face. Her courage is evident as she continues despite the pain.

The next day, Hirkani appears at the fort gate for the daily market, intent on selling milk to her customers. The routine is a test of her resolve after the previous day’s setback. The gate stands ready to receive traders at dawn.

Mavla, the gatekeeper, is surprised to see Hirkani at the gate and alleges that she broke the rules by attempting to access the fort at the wrong time. He escorts her to higher authority to answer the charge. The tension between duty and compassion is already building.

Hirkani explains her situation to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, emphasizing her responsibility to feed her child and her customers. Shivaji listens carefully and regards her scratches as evidence of a dangerous descent. His response is guided by mercy and understanding.

Rather than punishing her, Shivaji commends her bravery for risking herself to care for her family. He acknowledges the hardship faced by common people under the fort’s rules. The moment reframes law as a protection for people, not merely punishment.

Shivaji orders the construction of a wall along the dangerous vertical drop to prevent future incidents. The decision reflects practical leadership and a desire to safeguard traders and families. The wall is intended to keep the gate’s reopening safe for everyone.

The new safety barrier is named in honor of Hirkani, ensuring her courage and sacrifice is remembered. The naming serves as a symbol for future generations to respect family responsibilities. The physical barrier also becomes a functional safeguard.

Hirkani’s act grows into a legend around the fort, illustrating how personal risk can protect a community. The wall and the story reinforce a culture of courage, care, and practical governance. Traders and residents repeat the tale to emphasize resilience.

Raigad Fort, captured by Shivaji and made his capital in 1674, sits atop the Western Ghats with fortified ramparts and a busy market at its foot. The fort’s legend and its gate signify the intersection of rule and daily life. The setting provides the historical context for Hirkani’s tale.