Word Meaning
बे-हिना
be-hinā
hiadjective
Meaning
Without henna; unadorned with henna dye.
Detailed Meaning
Literally meaning 'without henna', this compound refers to hands lacking the traditional decorative red dye. In this couplet, it highlights that the beloved's hands did not require henna to appear crimson, as they were already dyed by the reckless shedding of the lover's blood. It creates a classic Urdu poetic paradox contrasting cosmetic adornment with passionate slaughter.
Etymology
Formed from the Persian preposition 'be-' (without) and Arabic 'hinnā' (henna).
Usage
In the classical ghazal tradition, it is frequently used to contrast the artificial cosmetic beauty of henna with the literal redness of the lover's spilled blood.
Examples
colored red even without henna
a hand untinted by henna yet crimson
Synonyms
बग़ैर-हिनाबे-मेंहदी
Related Words
हिनाख़ूँ-रेज़ीरंगींदस्त