Word Meaning
ख़ाल
khaal
Meaning
A mole or beauty mark on the face or body.
Detailed Meaning
In Persian and Urdu poetic tradition, 'khal' denotes a beauty spot or mole on the beloved's cheek, prized as an emblem of irresistible charm. In Ghalib's verse, the dark pupil of the wild gazelle's eye is imagined by Majnun to be nothing other than the reflection of the black mole on Laila's face. It portrays how an obsessive lover perceives the beloved's physical charms mirrored across the natural world.
Etymology
Arabic / Persian 'khāl' (خال), denoting a mole, freckle, or beauty spot.
Usage
In the ghazal, 'khal' is frequently paired with 'aariz' (cheek) or 'zulf' (curls) as a trap or focal point that ensnares the lover's heart.
Examples
The dark mole upon the cheek caught the lover's heart.
A single black mole bestowed beauty upon the radiant face.