Word Meaning
ग़ज़ल
ghazal
Meaning
A lyrical poetic form expressing themes of love, longing, and existential grief.
Detailed Meaning
A classical form of lyric poetry consisting of rhyming couplets that share a meter and a refrain. In this couplet, it refers specifically to the poignant and pathos-laden poetry of Mir Taqi Mir, renowned for its ability to induce an emotional swoon or state of ecstasy in the listener. It stands here as the supreme embodiment of heartfelt, sorrowful verse.
Etymology
Arabic (غَزَل, ghazal), literally meaning 'talking amorous words with women' or 'erotic poetry'.
Usage
Poets often use 'ghazal' self-referentially within the maqta (closing couplet) to praise their own artistry or homage a master predecessor.
Examples
a soulful ghazal recited in the gathering
every couplet of the ghazal carried profound grief