Word Meaning
ग़ुलामी
Ghulāmī
hinoun, feminine
Meaning
Slavery, servitude, bondage, or the state of subjugation.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'ghulāmī' denotes servitude, helplessness, or political and spiritual subjugation, frequently paired antithetically with 'shāhī' (kingship) or 'mīrī' (lordship). In this verse, it represents the lowest condition of helplessness or submission, emphasizing that without daring spiritual resolve, neither power nor bondage yields any true achievement.
Etymology
Arabic 'ghulām' (boy, youth, slave) + Persian abstract noun suffix '-ī'.
Usage
Frequently juxtaposed with royal power or mystical freedom to contrast physical oppression against inner sovereignty.
Examples
The soul languished in bitter servitude.
Breaking free from the chains of servitude requires courage.
Synonyms
दासतापराधीनताबंदगीअसीरी
Related Words
ग़ुलामशाहीमीरीआज़ादी