Word Meaning
बंदा-पर्वर
banda-parvar
Meaning
Cherisher or patron of servants; an honorific form of address meaning 'my lord' or 'patron'.
Detailed Meaning
Literally meaning 'one who nourishes or cherishes humble servants', it is a deferential title equivalent to 'kind patron' or 'benefactor'. In this couplet, it serves as a polite yet reproachful address to the beloved, contrasting the lover's desperate appeal with the beloved's aloof indifference. It reflects the classical ghazal convention of framing the beloved as a feudal master upon whose grace the humble servant relies.
Etymology
Persian compound formed from 'banda' (servant, slave) and 'parvar' (from 'parvardan', to nurture or cherish).
Usage
In classical Urdu ghazal, it is frequently employed as an exalted vocative for the beloved or patron, often tinged with delicate irony when rebuking their neglect.
Examples
Hear our petition, O banda-parvar, in this hour of grief.
A glance of benevolence from the banda-parvar would suffice.