Word Meaning
बादशाहों
badshahon
Meaning
Kings, monarchs, or emperors (plural oblique form).
Detailed Meaning
In classical poetry, this plural form denotes rulers and emperors, embodying worldly power, luxury, and dominion. In this couplet, it serves as a powerful contrast to the lover's ascetic poverty (libas-e-faqr), asserting that spiritual devotion in the beloved's street is an honor that even mighty emperors would boast of having. It underscores how mystical surrender outshines earthly sovereignty.
Etymology
Persian (پادشاہ / بادشاہ - pādshāh / bādshāh), composed of pād (lord, protector) and shāh (king).
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, rulers and kings are regularly contrasted with beggars (gada) and dervishes to affirm the spiritual supremacy of love over temporal authority.
Examples
The throne of emperors was reduced to dust.
Before divine love, the crowns of monarchs bow down.