Word Meaning
कने
kane
Meaning
Near, beside, close to, or in the presence of someone.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu and Rekhta, 'kane' is an archaic postposition functioning identically to 'ke paas' (near/to). In the provided couplet, it indicates approaching someone to ask for alms or help ('kis kane jā hāth pasāreṁ' meaning 'near whom or to whose presence should one go and spread out hands'). Such usage is characteristic of early Delhi and Deccani idioms.
Etymology
Prakrit / Old Indo-Aryan, related to Sanskrit 'karṇa' (ear/side/edge) evolving into regional vernaculars as 'kan' or 'kane' meaning 'near' or 'beside'.
Usage
A characteristic marker of archaic Rekhta and classical ghazal (such as in Mir and Sauda), largely superseded by 'ke paas' in modern Urdu.
Examples
No one comes near this broken-hearted lover.
Whom should one approach in such times of helplessness?