Word Meaning
इस्तिग़्ना
istighna
Meaning
Indifference, aloofness, haughty disregard, or supreme self-sufficiency.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'istighna' signifies aloofness, supreme indifference, or detachment from the desires of others. In romantic ghazals, it represents the beloved's disdainful coldness that grows in response to the lover's desperate importunities. In this couplet, it specifically denotes the beloved's quadrupled indifference and apathy despite the lover's repeated entreaties.
Etymology
Arabic (إِسْتِغْنَاء, istighnā'), the tenth verbal form (Form X) from the root غ-ن-ي (gh-n-y), meaning to be free from want or to be self-sufficient.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, 'istighna' is standardly attributed either to the haughty beloved who spurns the lover's petitions or to the Sufi mystic who is detached from worldly wealth.
Examples
His passionate plea was met only with proud indifference.
The mystic's freedom lies in pure detachment from worldly kings.