Word Meaning
गेरवी
gerwī
hiadjective
Meaning
Ochre-colored, saffron, or dyed in red ochre (characteristic of ascetic garb).
Detailed Meaning
Refers to the earthy red-ochre or saffron hue associated with Hindu ascetics and wandering dervishes. In this couplet, it qualifies 'kafani' (the ascetic's patched mantle or burial shroud), signifying that the poet has renounced his aristocratic heritage (Mirzai) in favor of utter destitution and spiritual love.
Etymology
Derived from Sanskrit 'गैरिक' (gairika, meaning red ochre), entering Hindi-Urdu as 'गेरू' (gerū) with the adjectival suffix '-ī'.
Usage
In classical ghazal poetry, ochre garments symbolize the lover's adoption of the role of an ascetic or jogi who renounces worldly honors.
Examples
a dervish wrapped in an ochre shawl
the ascetic beauty of ochre robes
Synonyms
गेरुआभगवाज़ाफ़रानी
Related Words
कफ़नीगेरूफ़क़ीरीवैराग्य