Word Meaning
ना-गवारा
na-gawara
Meaning
Unacceptable, distasteful, intolerable, or offensive to one's dignity.
Detailed Meaning
The compound 'na-gawara' denotes something utterly disagreeable, unpalatable, or impossible to accept. In this couplet, it articulates the poet's fierce sense of self-respect and dervish-like detachment, for whom the condescending favors of the wealthy are intolerable. The speaker considers even the softest gold dust of patronizing charity as burdensome as hard steel.
Etymology
Persian compound formed of the negative prefix 'nā-' (un-, non-) and 'gavārā' (digestible, agreeable, pleasant).
Usage
Commonly invoked in classical ghazal to emphasize moral pride, refusal to bow to patronage, or the unbearable torment of separation.
Examples
Your slightest coldness is utterly intolerable to this wounded heart.
To a proud soul, the patronizing charity of the world is repugnant.