Word Meaning
अहद-शिकन
'ahd-shikan
hiadjective / noun
Meaning
A promise-breaker; one who violates an oath, pledge, or mutual pact.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'ahd-shikan denotes an unfaithful beloved who has broken vows of love and loyalty. In this couplet, the speaker addresses this pledge-breaker, observing that despite their heartless betrayal and the lover's sacrifice, even they ultimately felt remorse.
Etymology
Arabic 'ahd' (covenant, pledge, oath) + Persian 'shikan' (breaker, agentive stem of shikastan, to break).
Usage
Frequently used in the ghazal tradition as an epithet for the fickle and cruel beloved who disregards lovers' covenants.
Examples
The laments of the wounded reached the heartless promise-breaker.
Expect no enduring constancy from a known promise-breaker.
Synonyms
पैमाँ-शिकनवादा-ख़िलाफ़बे-वफ़ा
Related Words
अहदशिकस्तपैमानवफ़ा