Word Meaning
ज़िंदानी
zindānī
hinoun / adjective
Meaning
A prisoner, captive, or inmate of a dungeon.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'zindani' denotes a prisoner or one held captive, typically by love, sorrow, or destiny. In Ghalib's verse, it reflects the condition of the lover who is hopelessly ensnared by the overwhelming charm of beloveds' affections. Here, even the beloved's tender touch transforms figuratively into a heavy collar (tauq) of captivity.
Etymology
Persian: from 'zindān' (prison, dungeon) + relational suffix '-ī'.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, 'zindani' often functions as a metaphor for the lover bound either in the dungeon of love or inside the prison-house of earthly existence.
Examples
The captive of your curls seeks no deliverance.
A sigh broke forth from the heart of the prison inmate.
Synonyms
असीरक़ैदीमहबूसबंदी
Related Words
ज़िंदानतौक़ज़ंजीरक़ैद