Word Meaning
ख़िज़्र-सुल्ताँ
Khizr-Sultan
Meaning
Mirza Khizr Sultan, a Mughal prince and son of Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar.
Detailed Meaning
Refers to Mirza Khizr Sultan (1834–1857), one of the sons of the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar. In this couplet by Ghalib, the prince is metaphorically praised as a flourishing young sapling ('ताज़ा निहाल') in the royal lineage, offering a prayer for his prosperity and longevity. He was later executed during the events of 1857.
Etymology
Arabic: 'Khidr' (proper name of the immortal green prophet associated with perennial freshness) + 'Sultan' (sovereign, ruler/prince).
Usage
Used in classical court poetry (qasida/madah) as a royal proper name evoking both imperial dignity and the eternal freshness associated with Prophet Khidr.
Examples
Khizr-Sultan was celebrated as a blooming blossom of the royal house.
A royal prayer was offered for Khizr-Sultan's perpetual joy.