Word Meaning
अशआ'र
Ash'aar
Meaning
Verses, couplets, or poems; plural form of sher.
Detailed Meaning
'Ash'aar' is the broken plural of 'sher', denoting poetic verses or couplets. In this couplet, Ghalib references his own body of poetry, expressing indifference toward critics who claim his verses lack conventional meaning. It represents a proud assertion of creative autonomy and disregard for traditional praise or material reward.
Etymology
Arabic broken plural (أَشْعَار, ash‘ār) derived from the root sh-ʿ-r (ش ع ر), relating to knowing, perceiving, and composing verse (shi'r/sher).
Usage
Commonly used in classical Urdu poetry when poets reflect on their own poetic corpus or the craft of verse-making.
Examples
His verses carried a deep melody of heartbreak.
The recitation of meaningful verses moved the audience.