उस चश्म में है सुरमे का दुम्बाला पुर-आशोब क्यूँ हाथ में बदमस्त के बंदूक़ भरी दी
— Bahadur Shah Zafar
Meaning

The trailing line of kohl in that eye is full of chaos and turmoil, just like placing a loaded gun into the hands of an unruly drunkard.

Explanation

The poet marvels at the devastating charm of the beloved's eyes, where the extended flick of kohl makes an already intoxicating gaze downright lethal. Natural beauty was intoxicating enough on its own; sharpening it with eyeliner is like handing a loaded rifle to a reckless drunkard who has no control over where he aims. It is a wonderfully playful and vivid warning about the sheer havoc the beloved's glance wreaks on the lover's heart.

Interpretation note: meanings and explanations may be AI-assisted and should not replace a primary text or scholarly edition. See the editorial policy.

Audio

RecitationUnavailable
Hindi MeaningUnavailable
English MeaningUnavailable
Hindi ExplainerUnavailable
English ExplainerUnavailable
Comments · 0

Free — just your email. You'll come right back here.

No comments yet. Be the first.