Word Meaning
टोपी
topi
hinoun, feminine
Meaning
A cap, skullcap, or small headgear.
Detailed Meaning
Refers to a cap or skullcap worn on the head, often forming part of conventional daily or religious attire. In this couplet, it represents one of the pious Shaikh's formal outer garments stripped off and gifted away in ecstatic drunkenness at the tavern. Symbolically, it stands for the shedding of hypocritical modesty and ascetic pretense.
Etymology
Derived from Prakrit 'ṭoppa' / Sanskrit roots denoting a cap, helmet, or head-covering.
Usage
In classical Urdu ghazal, articles of clothing like the topi, jubba, and khirqa are frequently invoked to satirize the superficial piety of religious orthodox figures.
Examples
The cap fell from the ascetic's head in drunken ecstasy
He traded his cap and cloak for a sip of wine
Synonyms
कुलाहताजदस्तार
Related Words
जुब्बाख़िर्क़ाकुर्तालिबास