Word Meaning
कशिश
kashish
Meaning
Attraction, pull, magnetic allure, or a calligraphic stroke.
Detailed Meaning
Literally denotes the physical act or force of pulling, drawing, or attracting. In classical poetry, it frequently signifies the irresistible allure exerted by the beloved or divine grace. In Ghalib's verse, it plays brilliantly on a double meaning: the magnetic pull of generosity and the elongated stroke ('kashish') of the Persian letter 'kaaf'.
Etymology
Persian کشش (kashish), derived from the verbal infinitive کشیدن (kashīdan, 'to draw, pull, attract').
Usage
In classical Urdu ghazal, 'kashish' often conveys emotional or spiritual gravity as well as calligraphic wordplay.
Examples
The subtle pull of love drew him away from safety.
A calligraphic stroke of grace formed the traveler's path.