Word Meaning
कुश्तनी
kushtani
Meaning
Fit or deserving to be killed; liable to execution.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Persian and Urdu poetry, 'kushtani' signifies someone destined or fit to be slaughtered, derived from the Persian verb 'kushtan' (to kill). In this couplet, the lover willingly presents himself before the beloved's sword (tegh) and the executioner's basin (tasht), surrendering his life unconditionally as one fit for sacrifice.
Etymology
Persian, from the infinitive 'kushtan' (to kill) affixed with the suffix of fitness/necessity '-ī'.
Usage
Commonly employed in classical ghazals to celebrate the lover's voluntary submission and martyrdom at the hands of the beloved.
Examples
A lover deemed fit to be slain by the glance of cruelty
Standing ready as one destined for execution in the beloved's street