Word Meaning
ख़ुतन
Khutan
Meaning
Khotan; an ancient Central Asian city famous for musk-deer and fragrance.
Detailed Meaning
Khutan (Khotan) is an ancient oasis city in Central Asia celebrated in classical Persian and Urdu poetry as the home of the musk-bearing gazelle (āhū-e-khutan). In this couplet, 'margh-zār-e-khutan' (the meadow of Khotan) signifies the pristine, natural habitat of the gazelle from which it is being exiled. It evokes timeless motifs of wild grace, untamed nature, and intoxicating scent.
Etymology
Sogdian/Khotanese Iranian root transmitted via Classical Persian (ختن).
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, Khotan is almost universally paired with the gazelle ('āhū') and musk ('mushk') to denote rare fragrance and elusive beauty.
Examples
like the musk-bearing gazelle of Khotan
the fragrant breezes arriving from Khotan