Word Meaning
गदाई
gadāī
hinoun
Meaning
Beggary, mendicancy, or the act of humble begging.
Detailed Meaning
The term denotes the act or condition of mendicancy and begging. In this couplet, it metaphorically portrays the lover transforming their eye into a beggar's bowl ('kasa-e-chashm') to plead humbly for the alms of a single glimpse ('deedar') of the beloved.
Etymology
Persian 'gadā' (beggar/mendicant) + abstract noun suffix '-ī'.
Usage
In the Urdu ghazal tradition, 'gadai' is often romanticized as a noble state of devotional servitude far superior to worldly wealth or royal authority.
Examples
To beg for a single glance of the beloved
The humility of love's beggary surpasses kingship
Synonyms
भीखभिक्षायाचनाइल्तिजा
Related Words
गदाकासाफ़क़ीरीदरवेज़ी