Word Meaning
कुआँ
ku'an
hinoun
Meaning
A well; a deep hole excavated in the earth for water.
Detailed Meaning
A deep circular pit sunk into the earth to reach water, used frequently in imagery of entrapment, depth, and isolation. In this couplet, it alludes to the biblical and Quranic narrative of Yusuf (Joseph), who was cast into a pit by his brothers. Personified here, the well itself turns 'blind' or dry from weeping in grief over Yusuf's separation.
Etymology
Sanskrit कूप (kūpa) > Prakrit कूव (kūva) > Hindi/Urdu कुआँ / کنواں (ku'an).
Usage
In classical ghazal poetry, the well frequently appears in allusion to the talmeeḥ of Yusuf (Chāh-e Yusuf), symbolizing exile, betrayal, and dark confinement.
Examples
The dry well echoed the traveler's sorrow.
Trapped within the deep well of solitude.
Synonyms
कूपबावड़ीचाह
Related Words
गहराईपानीचाहक़ैद