ब-दाग़

Meaning

Marked with a scar; wounded or stigmatized by a blemish.

Detailed Meaning

In Persian and Urdu classical poetry, this compound functions as an adverbial or adjectival phrase meaning 'afflicted with a scar' or 'turned into a blemish'. In Ghalib's verse, the poet asserts such fierce self-respect that he rejects even good fortune, rendering the auspicious shadow of the legendary Huma bird into an unwanted burn or wound. It underscores how great pride treats an unearned favor as a scar upon dignity.

Etymology

Persian: preposition 'ba' (with, by, to) + noun 'dāgh' (mark, burn, scar, blemish).

Usage

It is often employed in ghazals to express the searing marks of passion, existential sorrow, or injured pride.

Examples

Synonyms

Related Words