Word Meaning
जफ़ा-कारियाँ
jafā-kāriyāñ
hinoun, feminine plural
Meaning
Acts of cruelty, oppression, tyranny, or faithlessness.
Detailed Meaning
A compound noun denoting multiple acts of tyranny, torment, or cruelty, typically inflicted by the beloved or fate. In this couplet, it represents the recurrent hardships and betrayals endured with endurance by the devoted lover. It forms an antithesis with 'wafā-dāriyāñ' (acts of fidelity).
Etymology
Arabic 'jafā' (harshness, cruelty) + Persian '-kārī' (deed, practice) + Hindustani plural suffix '-āñ'.
Usage
A quintessential ghazal trope used to contrast the beloved's habitual cruelty against the lover's steadfast endurance.
Examples
Patience in bearing the beloved's endless cruelties.
The world is exhausted by the tyrant's oppressions.
Synonyms
सितम-गारियाँज़ुल्मबेवफ़ाइयाँजौर-ओ-जफ़ा
Related Words
जफ़ाजफ़ा-कारवफ़ा-दारीसितम