Word Meaning
ताक़
tāq
Meaning
An architectural arch, wall-niche, shelf, or recess.
Detailed Meaning
Literally referring to a wall-niche or arched shelf built to hold lamps or books, it often carries figurative weight in classical verse. In this couplet, it appears in the Persian izafat construction 'tāq-e-nisyāñ' (the shelf of oblivion), signifying things cast aside, neglected, and faded from memory. It evokes the image of abandoned recollections gathering dust in an untouched alcove.
Etymology
Arabic origin (طَاق, ṭāq), passed into Urdu through Persian.
Usage
In Urdu ghazal, it is most celebrated in idioms signifying disregard or loss, such as 'tāq par rakhnā' (to set aside) and 'tāq-e-nisyāñ' (the niche of forgetfulness).
Examples
A lonely lamp flickering within the wall-niche
Consigned to the high arch of oblivion