Word Meaning
अर्ज़ानी
arzaani
Meaning
Cheapness, low value, or worthlessness; state of being plentiful and undervalued.
Detailed Meaning
Arzaani denotes cheapness, insignificance, or a condition where something is so common and low in price that it loses value. In this verse by Iqbal, it questions the Divine regarding the perceived cheapness, devaluation, and disposable nature of mankind (Adam). It serves as an existential lament over humanity's fragile worth in the cosmic order.
Etymology
Persian, derived from 'arzān' (cheap, low-cost) plus the nominal suffix '-ī'.
Usage
In classical Urdu and Persian poetry, arzaani is often contrasted with giraani (dearness or preciousness) to lament the cheapness of tears, human life, or devotion.
Examples
arzaani-e-dil in the marketplace of love
the cheapness of life amid the turmoil of fate