चाही

Meaning

Sought, desired, or requested (past tense feminine).

Detailed Meaning

In this couplet, 'चाही' is the past tense feminine form of the verb 'चाहना' (chāhnā), agreeing with the feminine noun 'विसातत' (mediation). In classical Urdu poetry, the ergative postposition 'ने' was often omitted, making 'मैं चाही' equivalent to modern 'मैंने चाही'. It signifies the lover seeking an intermediary to intercede with the beloved.

Etymology

From Sanskrit इच्छति (icchati) / Prakrit इच्छइ (icchai), developing into Hindustani चाहना (chāhnā).

Usage

In classical ghazal, it often governs feminine abstract nouns like 'वफ़ा', 'मदद', or 'विसातत' to express yearning or solicitation.

Examples

Synonyms

Related Words