Word Meaning
कोह-कनी
koh-kanī
Meaning
Mountain-digging or carving; arduous labor endured for love.
Detailed Meaning
Literally refers to digging or carving through a mountain, originating from the Persian legend of Farhad who cleaved Mount Bisutun to win Shirin. In poetic diction, it signifies monumental, self-sacrificing struggle and hardship in pursuit of love. In this couplet, it highlights the immense and paradoxical burden placed upon the lover Farhad.
Etymology
Persian compound of 'kōh' (mountain) and 'kanī' (digging, from 'kandan', to dig or excavate).
Usage
Commonly employed in Urdu poetry as an allusion (talmih) to Farhad to symbolize Herculean perseverance and true devotion in love.
Examples
Koh-kani is not merely cutting rock, but carving a path through grief.
For the beloved, enduring koh-kani became second nature to the lover.