दस्त-कश

Meaning

Leading by the hand, a guide; also one who withdraws the hand.

Detailed Meaning

In Persian and classical Urdu poetry, 'dast-kash' refers to someone who leads another by holding their hand, functioning as a guide, or conversely, someone who withdraws their hand in renunciation. In this couplet, lamentation (naala) is personified as a guide leading the march of sorrow hand-in-hand ahead of weeping and the banner-bearing sigh.

Etymology

Persian compound of 'dast' (hand) and 'kash' (root of kashīdan, to draw or pull).

Usage

In classical Urdu ghazal, it is often used metaphorically for a guide who escorts a helpless or sightless lover through adversity.

Examples

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Related Words