Word Meaning
तड़पता
taṛpatā
Meaning
Writhes, tosses restlessly, or flutters in agony and longing.
Detailed Meaning
Denotes the state of writhing, fluttering, or tossing about in unbearable physical or emotional pain. In this couplet, it describes the lover's heart thrashing violently amidst bloody tears, directly likened to a slaughtered quarry writhing in its own blood. It evokes the ultimate degree of anguish, helplessness, and agitation caused by love.
Etymology
Originates from the onomatopoeic Indo-Aryan root imitation of sudden fluttering or thrashing, evolving via Prakrit into Hindustani 'taṛapnā'.
Usage
A quintessential ghazal motif commonly invoked to depict the wounded heart of the lover or the dying spasm of a half-slaughtered bird (نیم بسمل).
Examples
The heart keeps writhing in separation all night long.
Wounded by the arrow, the bird writhes in the dust.