Word Meaning
पल
pal
hinoun
Meaning
A moment, instant, or the twinkling of an eye.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu and Hindustani poetry, 'pal' denotes an infinitesimal measure of time, akin to an instant or a blink of an eye. In this couplet, it emphasizes the suddenness with which catastrophe strikes, drowning the world in mere moments. It conveys both the rapid pace of grief and the transience of life.
Etymology
Sanskrit 'पल' (pala), traditionally a unit of time equal to approximately 24 seconds, later generalized to mean an instant.
Usage
Commonly used in ghazals to dramatize the ephemeral nature of union or the sudden arrival of disaster.
Examples
The entire landscape transformed in a single moment.
Not even a moment of separation could be endured.
Synonyms
क्षणलम्हाआनदम
Related Words
पल-भरपलकवक़्त