गधा

Meaning

A donkey, ass; metaphorically an ignorant, foolish, or insensitive person.

Detailed Meaning

Literally referring to a donkey or beast of burden, the word carries sharp satirical and comedic connotations of foolishness, stubbornness, and lack of spiritual refinement. In this couplet, it is employed as a biting mockery of the hypocritical preacher (Shaikh), contrasting lofty claims of visiting the Kaaba with the coarse and sacrilegious act of tethering an ass inside a mosque.

Etymology

Derived from Sanskrit 'gardabha' (गर्दभ) through Prakrit 'gaddaha' (गद्दह).

Usage

In classical Urdu and Indo-Persian poetry, it is primarily used in satirical, humorous, or polemical verses (hazal/hajv) to mock pretenders of piety and wisdom.

Examples

Synonyms

Related Words