Word Meaning
अक़साम
aqsām
Meaning
Kinds, varieties, types, or sorts.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu, 'aqsām' is the Arabic broken plural of 'qism', denoting various kinds, types, or categories. In this couplet, 'aqsām-e-jawāhar' refers to diverse varieties of precious gems unearthed from the depths of the sorrowful chest. It portrays the intense pain of separation as an excavator revealing myriad poetic and emotional treasures.
Etymology
Arabic, broken plural of qism (قسم), from the triliteral root q-s-m (ق-س-م) related to dividing or categorizing.
Usage
In classical ghazals, it is frequently used in Persian ezāfe constructions (like 'aqsām-e-jawāhir') to indicate multiplicity and diversity of emotions or beauty.
Examples
Various kinds of sorrows born of longing
Gems of varied types drawn from a hidden tomb