Word Meaning
झाड़ू
jhaaḌoo
Meaning
A broom; an implement used for sweeping and cleaning dust or rubbish.
Detailed Meaning
Refers to a broom or sweeping tool made of twigs, straw, or fibers used for cleaning floors and streets. In this couplet, it appears in tandem with 'tokraa' (basket) and is parallel to the Persianate 'jaaroob', depicting the morning sun as a humble street-sweeper attending the beloved's threshold. The imagery highlights the grand, radiant stature of the beloved at whose door even the sun serves as a menial sweeper.
Etymology
From Prakrit *jhaḍḍ- / Sanskrit jhāṭa (shrub, arbour) or connected to Hindi jhāṛnā (to sweep, shake off).
Usage
In classical Urdu ghazal, poets often employ the humble act of sweeping (jhaadu dena or jaaroob-kashi) with eyelashes to express the lover's ultimate devotion or describe celestial bodies serving the beloved's threshold.
Examples
holding a broom and basket at dawn
the broom of sighs sweeping away all dust