Word Meaning
फ़ानूस
faanoos
Meaning
A glass shade, lantern, or chandelier protecting a candle from the wind.
Detailed Meaning
Faanoos denotes a transparent glass globe, shade, or lantern enclosing a candle to prevent it from flickering or extinguishing. In classical Persian and Urdu verse, it often symbolizes an outer veil, the physical body harboring the flame of the soul, or an ornamental enclosure. In Ghalib's couplet, the faanoos is imagined as wearing a protective garment (kiswat) pierced by the wick.
Etymology
From Arabic fānūs (فانوس), ultimately derived from Ancient Greek phanós (φανός, meaning 'lantern' or 'torch').
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, faanoos is paired closely with 'sham'a' to contrast inner spiritual fire with the delicate outer vessel of the physical world.
Examples
The fragile flame trembled inside the faanoos.
A glowing heart enclosed like a candle in a lantern.