ख़ानुमाँ-ख़राब

Meaning

Ruined, destitute, homeless, or one whose domestic life has been utterly destroyed.

Detailed Meaning

Literally denoting someone whose household, goods, and family are entirely ruined, this compound in classical poetry describes a lover rendered utterly destitute and wanderer by the passion of love. In this couplet, it refers to the countless devastated lovers who have perished and lie buried along the arduous path leading to the beloved's dwelling.

Etymology

Persian compound formed from 'khānumān' (household, goods, property) and 'kharāb' (ruined, destroyed).

Usage

Commonly used in ghazals as an epithet for the tragic lover whose pursuit of the beloved results in total domestic and worldly ruin.

Examples

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Related Words