Word Meaning
खेल
khel
Meaning
A game, sport, or amusement; metaphorically, something effortless or trivial.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'khel' denotes sport, pastime, or amusement, but idiomatically signifies child's play or an easy undertaking. In this couplet, it describes the cruel ease with which the beloved or tyrant strikes with a sword, treating an act of deadly violence as mere effortless entertainment. The poet contrasts this nonchalant attitude with the tragic finality of an innocent life being lost.
Etymology
Derived from Sanskrit 'खेल' (khela), meaning sport, play, or amusement.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, 'khel' is frequently invoked to highlight the beloved's careless indifference toward the lover's suffering, portraying destruction as mere diversion.
Examples
Treating a lover's death as mere child's play
Entering the perilous game of passionate love