Word Meaning
पला
pala
Meaning
Reared, brought up, nurtured, or raised in a specific environment.
Detailed Meaning
In Urdu and Hindi, 'pala' is the past participle form of the verb 'palna', meaning to be brought up, fostered, or nurtured. In Iqbal's couplet, it describes a royal falcon that has unfortunately grown up among vultures, thereby losing awareness of its innate grandeur. The word underscores how an environment of upbringing shapes habits and consciousness.
Etymology
Derived from Sanskrit 'प्रतिपालयति' (pratipālayati, to protect/rear) through Prakrit into Hindustani 'पलना'.
Usage
In poetry, it often highlights the formative influence of one's environment, whether pampered in luxury or hardened by sorrow.
Examples
A heart nurtured in luxuries and indulgence
Raised from childhood in the lap of sorrow