Word Meaning
छोटा
chhooṭā
Meaning
Released, freed, or liberated from restraint.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, this word functions as the past masculine singular form of the verb 'chhooṭnā' (often spelt چھوٹا), meaning to be freed or delivered from captivity. In this couplet, the speaker rejoices that the tearing madness (junūn) has released him from the tight collar of worldly decorum. It conveys profound gratitude toward passion for granting liberation from spiritual and emotional confinement.
Etymology
Sanskrit 'छुट्टति' (chuṭṭati) / 'छुट्यते' (chuṭyate, breaks, frees), through Prakrit 'छुट्टइ' (chuṭṭaï) into Hindustani 'छूटना'.
Usage
In the ghazal, it typically signifies deliverance from the cage of existence, the hunter's trap, or worldly restraints.
Examples
qaid-e-hastī se chhooṭā to sukoon milā
dast-e-sayyād se parinda chhooṭā