Word Meaning
आँचल
aanchal
hinoun, masculine
Meaning
Border, hem, or loose end of a veil or garment.
Detailed Meaning
In Urdu and South Asian poetry, 'aanchal' refers to the protective or alluring border of a woman's garment, veil, or sari. In the given couplet, it represents the elusive fringe or hem of the vast wilderness (daman-e-baadiya) held by the hands of passionate longing. It generally symbolizes modesty, grace, shelter, and romantic yearning.
Etymology
Sanskrit (अञ्चल / añcala), via Prakrit into Hindi and Urdu.
Usage
A staple motif of romance and modesty in classical and modern ghazal, often paired with the movement of the wind or the longing grasp of the lover.
Examples
The breeze gently lifted the hem of her veil.
clutching the desolate wilderness by its hem
Synonyms
पल्लूदामनकिनाराकोर
Related Words
दुपट्टाओढ़नीचादरनक़ाब