Word Meaning
बुताँ
butāñ
hinoun
Meaning
Idols; metaphorically, beloveds or beautiful, stone-hearted mistresses.
Detailed Meaning
The word is the Persian plural of 'but' (idol), used metaphorically in classical Urdu poetry for stone-hearted, captivating beloveds. In this couplet, it denotes the poet's beloveds whose nails are now deprived of being tinted with the deceased lover's heart's blood. It highlights both their cruel beauty and their tragic dependence on his suffering.
Etymology
Persian, plural form of 'but' (idol, image) with the animate plural suffix '-ān'.
Usage
In classical ghazal, beloveds are routinely called 'but' or 'butān' because of their stony indifference to the lover's torment and devotion.
Examples
kūcha-e-butāñ (the lane of beloveds)
nāz-e-butāñ (the coquetry of idols)
Synonyms
सनममाशूक़महबूबनाज़नीन
Related Words
बुतबुतख़ानाबुतपरस्तसनम