Word Meaning
तलवारों
talwaaron
Meaning
Swords; metaphorically, arched, lethal eyebrows or deadly instruments of fate.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, the sword frequently represents the curved, lethal beauty of the beloved's eyebrows or destructive glances. In this couplet, it refers metaphorically to the arched eyebrows (abru) that resemble deadly blades, among which the lover has spent his entire life in perpetual peril. It evokes both the danger and intoxicating allure of living under the shadow of the beloved's intoxicating cruelty.
Etymology
Sanskrit 'taravāri' (तरवारि) evolved through Prakrit into Hindustani/Urdu 'talwār'.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, 'talwar' is conventionally equated with curved eyebrows ('abru') and cutting glances to portray the beloved as a lovely executioner.
Examples
talwaaron ke saaye mein basar karna
abru ki talwaaron ka vaar sahna