Word Meaning
तलवार
talwār
hinoun (feminine)
Meaning
Sword, blade; weapon of execution or battle.
Detailed Meaning
Literally denoting a bladed weapon, 'talwār' frequently symbolizes the cruelty or destructive power of the beloved's glance and beauty in Urdu poetry. In this couplet, it represents the act of killing or wounding the lover as mere sport, indifferent to the innocent life being destroyed. It conveys both literal violence and metaphorical romantic oppression.
Etymology
Sanskrit 'taravāri' (तरवारि) or Prakrit 'taravāra' through Hindi/Urdu.
Usage
In classical ghazal tradition, the sword is a standard trope representing the murderous allure, sidelong glances, or cruelty of the beloved.
Examples
उसकी झुकी पलकें भी तलवार की तरह दिल को काटती हैं।
Sheer indifferent glances cut like a sharp sword.
Synonyms
तेग़शमशीरसैफ़खड्ग
Related Words
क़त्लज़ख़्मबिस्मिलख़ून