Word Meaning
कोहल
kuhal
Meaning
Kohl, collyrium, or fine powder used as an eye cosmetic or medicine.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'kuhl' or 'kohl' refers to collyrium or antimony applied to the eyes for cosmetic enhancement or medicinal clarity. In this couplet by Mir, 'kuhl-e-jawahir' (a renowned medicinal collyrium prepared from crushed pearls and gems) signifies supreme honor, where the dust of kings' feet was revered like precious kohl. It heightens the tragic contrast with those very monarchs being blinded with hot iron needles (salaiyan).
Etymology
Arabic كُحْل (kuḥl), denoting fine antimony powder or collyrium for the eyes.
Usage
Commonly deployed in the ghazal tradition as a metaphor for deep reverence, where lovers apply the dust of the beloved's path to their eyes as collyrium.
Examples
kuhl of the eye
dust made into collyrium