Word Meaning
देखूँ
dekhūñ
Meaning
I see, behold, or gaze; (archaically with 'हूँ') I keep looking.
Detailed Meaning
In early classical Urdu (Rekhta), the form 'देखूँ हूँ' functions as an archaic present habitual or continuous tense, equivalent to modern 'देखता हूँ' (I look / I am looking). In this verse, it conveys the lover's entranced and perpetual state of gazing at the beloved's face, completely transfixed by bewilderment. This continuous fixation reduces the speaker to the stillness of an inanimate painting.
Etymology
From Sanskrit 'दृश्यते' / 'दृश्' (to see), through Prakrit into Hindavi/Old Urdu.
Usage
The archaic construction of pairing this verb stem with 'हूँ' (e.g., 'देखूँ हूँ' for 'देखता हूँ') is a signature idiom of 18th-century classical Urdu poetry, especially prominent in the works of Mir Taqi Mir.
Examples
Should I gaze upon them, my heart finds solace.
In utter wonder, I simply behold your face.