Word Meaning
नौकर
naukar
hinoun
Meaning
Servant, attendant, retainer, or henchman.
Detailed Meaning
In classical poetry, 'naukar' signifies a servant, retainer, or watchman in the service of the beloved or a ruler. In this couplet, it refers to the ruthless attendants guarding the beloved's threshold who torment or execute the lover. It emphasizes how even the beloved's subordinates hold the power to persecute the helpless devotee.
Etymology
Persian 'naukar', traced to Mongolian 'nökör' (comrade, military vassal, retainer).
Usage
In ghazal conventions, the beloved's servants often act as cruel gatekeepers who obstruct the lover from entering the beloved's presence.
Examples
Retainers stationed at the beloved's door
Servants enforcing the tyrant's decree
Synonyms
ख़ादिममुलाज़िमचाकरसेवक
Related Words
नौकरीचाकरख़िदमत