गुलदस्ता

Meaning

A bouquet or bunch of flowers; an anthology.

Detailed Meaning

Literally denotes a bunch or arrangement of flowers held together. In classical ghazals, it represents delicate beauty, an offering of love, or something transient and small; here, Ghalib reduces the vast gardens of paradise to a mere forgotten bouquet resting on the shelf of obliviated lovers. Historically, it also denotes an anthology or collection of fine poetry.

Etymology

Persian: compound of 'gul' (flower, rose) and 'dasta' (handful, bunch, bundle).

Usage

Commonly employed in ghazals to signify transient aesthetic charm, a token of affection, or metaphorically as an anthology of poetic gems.

Examples

Synonyms

Related Words