Word Meaning
घास
ghaas
hinoun
Meaning
Grass; wild vegetation symbolizing abandonment, ruins, or neglect.
Detailed Meaning
In Urdu poetry, grass sprouting inside courtyards or doorways signifies extreme desolation and desertion. In this couplet by Ghalib, the beloved or visitors have ceased visiting entirely, leaving the doorkeeper with no duty except endlessly digging up the overgrown weeds. It vividly captures how a lively domestic space has decayed into an untamed wilderness.
Etymology
Sanskrit घास (ghāsa - pasture, grass, fodder) via Prakrit.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, grass growing on pathways or dwellings symbolizes utter desertion, neglect, or forgotten graves.
Examples
grass overgrown upon abandoned thresholds
digging grass in a deserted courtyard
Synonyms
तृणकाहखशदूब
Related Words
सब्ज़ावीरानीतिनकादरबाँ