Word Meaning
नाक़ूस
naaqoos
Meaning
A conch shell blown in Hindu rituals, or a church bell or clapper.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu and Persian poetry, 'naaqoos' denotes the conch shell blown in Hindu rites, or originally the wooden gong/bell of Christian worship. In Ghalib's verse, the scratching sound of the pen is metaphorically equated to the wailing resonance of the conch (naala-e-naaqoos), drawing a link between artistic creation and sacred devotion. It evokes solemn ritual music, longing, and spiritual contemplation.
Etymology
From Arabic 'nāqūs', derived from Syriac/Aramaic 'nāqōshā' (a wooden clapper struck to announce prayer).
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, naaqoos is frequently paired or contrasted with azaan to explore the motifs of temple (dair) and mosque (haram).
Examples
the wail of the temple conch
the sound of naaqoos echoing at twilight