Word Meaning
कब्क
kabk
Meaning
A partridge or chukar, renowned in classical poetry for its graceful gait.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Persian and Urdu poetry, 'kabk' denotes the partridge (chukar), admired as the traditional archetype of an elegant, rhythmic walk. In this couplet, it appears in the compound 'kabk-e-darī' (the royal mountain partridge), whose celebrated strut falters in shame before the effortless grace of the beloved. It symbolizes grace defeated by true beauty.
Etymology
Persian (کبک), signifying the partridge or chukar.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, the kabk is a classic motif representing exquisite footwork and graceful walking (raftār or khirām), consistently outmatched by the beloved.
Examples
The graceful gait of the kabk halts before the beloved's stride.
The garden sighs seeing the proud walk of the kabk.