Word Meaning
ख़स्ता-जाँ
khasta-jaañ
Meaning
Afflicted in spirit, broken-hearted, or worn out by life's sorrows.
Detailed Meaning
A Persian compound formed from 'khasta' (wounded, weary) and 'jaan' (soul, life), describing someone profoundly worn out by emotional or spiritual agony. In Ghalib's verse, it qualifies the poet's own persona ('Asad'), underscoring his state of utter brokenness and suffering in the mortal world. The term establishes a poignant contrast between worldly devastation and his posthumously praised spiritual freedom.
Etymology
Persian compound of 'khasta' (wounded, broken) + 'jān' (life, soul).
Usage
In classical Urdu ghazal, it is a quintessential epithet for the forlorn lover whose life force has been depleted by relentless sorrow.
Examples
A heavy sigh escaped the afflicted soul of the solitary lover.
The physician could offer no remedy to one whose very spirit was broken.