Word Meaning
ज़ंग
zang
Meaning
Rust, tarnish, or corrosion, especially dulling a polished metallic mirror.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Persian and Urdu poetry, 'zang' refers to rust or corrosion that dulls the sheen of metal. Because historical mirrors were made of polished iron or steel rather than glass, they were liable to tarnish and rust over time. In this couplet, Ghalib portrays the mirror's frozen state of wonder and stillness as the very cause of its decay and rusting.
Etymology
Persian (زنگ / zang), meaning rust, tarnish, or verdigris.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, 'zang' frequently contrasts with the polish ('jalā' or 'saqīl') of the mirror, symbolizing spiritual darkness or the dulling of pure perception.
Examples
The mirror of the heart gathered the rust of separation.
Neglected in the sheath, the sword caught rust.