Word Meaning
ख़ाना-हा
khana-ha
Meaning
Houses, homes, abodes, or dwellings (Persian plural).
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu and Persian poetry, 'khana-ha' represents the plural form of 'khana', referring to multiple houses, dwellings, or chambers. In this couplet, it functions within an izafat construction to denote the lavish residences of the wealthy, illustrating how self-serving ascetics wander from one affluent door to another. It underscores the multiplicity of worldly mansions in contrast with genuine spiritual detachment.
Etymology
Persian: from 'khāna' (house, chamber) + plural suffix '-hā'.
Usage
Commonly employed in high-register ghazal diction within Persian genitive constructions (izafat) rather than everyday spoken Urdu.
Examples
gard-e-khana-ha-e-shahr (dust of the city's houses)
khana-ha-e-barbaad (ruined abodes)