कड़ी

Meaning

Taut, stiff, rigid, or firm (feminine form).

Detailed Meaning

In this couplet, 'kaṛī' serves as an adjective qualifying 'kamān' (bow), signifying a stiff, taut, and tightly strung weapon. It conveys the immense tension and explosive speed with which the arrow is discharged. Metaphorically, it illustrates the sudden, piercing, and unavoidable strike that the beloved's gait delivers to the lover's heart.

Etymology

Derived from Middle Indo-Aryan Prakrit origins tracing back to Sanskrit कठोर (kaṭhora) or कड्ड (kaḍḍa), evolving into Hindustani कड़ा/کڑا.

Usage

In classical poetry, it frequently qualifies hardship, fierce heat ('kaṛī dhuup'), rigorous tests, or weapons under extreme tension.

Examples

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Related Words