Word Meaning
क़ाली
qaali
hinoun
Meaning
A carpet, rug, or woven floor covering.
Detailed Meaning
Literally refers to a carpet or rug, especially a richly woven one. In classical Persian and Urdu poetry, the phrase 'maidan-e-qaali' represents a safe, domestic 'battlefield' of an embroidered carpet where woven beasts reside. In Ghalib's verse, it serves as a biting satire against the rich who boast of bravery without ever facing real danger.
Etymology
Borrowed via Persian قالی (qālī), historically connected to Turkic or Armenian origins.
Usage
Used metaphorically in classical ghazals to mock empty bravado, especially within the Persianate construct 'maidan-e-qaali'.
Examples
He remains a brave hunter only on the field of a carpet.
Lifeless as the woven figures upon a carpet.
Synonyms
क़ालीनगलीचाबिछौना
Related Words
क़ालीनफ़र्शबिसात़गलीचा