Word Meaning
इशारत
ishaarat
Meaning
A gesture, sign, beckoning, or indication.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'ishaarat' is an elevated, poetic variant of the common noun 'ishaara', signifying a sign, gesture, or hint. In this couplet, it denotes the tyrant's terrifying physical gesture of pointing at the slain lover with a naked sword. It underscores relentless cruelty, showing that even a basic direction or signal is given through an instrument of slaughter.
Etymology
Arabic 'ishārah' (إشارة), verbal noun derived from the triconsonantal root sh-w-r (to signal, counsel, or indicate), retained in classical Persian and Urdu verse with the archaic '-at' suffix.
Usage
Frequently used in classical ghazals instead of 'ishaara' to maintain poetic register, metrical cadence, or archaic Persianate diction.
Examples
a gesture with the sword
an indication of the brow