Word Meaning
छिड़के
chhiṛke
Meaning
Sprinkles, scatters droplets of liquid over a surface.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'chhiṛke hai' is an archaic present-tense verbal construction equivalent to modern 'chhiṛaktā hai' or 'chhiṛaktī hai' (sprinkles). In this couplet, it describes the morning dew scattering drops onto the rose petal like a ritual sprinkling of water at departure. It metaphorically evokes the shedding of tears as spring bids farewell to the nightingale.
Etymology
From Sanskrit 'क्षरति' (kṣarati, to trickle or stream) or onomatopoeic Old Indo-Aryan root via Prakrit into Hindi/Urdu 'छिड़कना' (chhiṛaknā).
Usage
In classical ghazal, poets often employed the archaic continuous present inflection '-े है' (e.g., 'छिड़के है') both for rhythmic harmony and to emphasize visual, recurrent action.
Examples
The dew sprinkles moisture upon the blooming petal.
Someone sprinkles salt upon the burning wound.