Word Meaning
थांग
thāng
Meaning
A den of thieves; hiding place for stolen goods; trace or clue of theft.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Hindustani, 'thāng' refers to a harbor for stolen property, an underground den of thieves, or the physical trace leading to recovered booty. In this couplet, the emerging dark down (khat) on the beloved's cheek is metaphorically described as the secret hideout of the black mole (siyāh-khāl), who acts as a bandit. Since the thief has found such a secure refuge, hearts across India are being plundered unchecked in every direction.
Etymology
Derived from Sanskrit 'sthāna' (स्थान, place/abode) through Prakrit into Hindustani.
Usage
A colloquial Hindustani idiom used effectively in Rekhta poetry to evoke domestic and urban motifs of crime and policing.
Examples
No trace could be found of the stolen treasure.
The dark tresses became the den where the heart was held captive.