Word Meaning
बदला
badlā
Meaning
Changed, replaced, or substituted (past tense of to change).
Detailed Meaning
In this couplet, 'badla' is the past-tense transitive form of the verb 'badalna' (to change or replace). The poet reproaches the beloved for unnecessarily replacing the threshold stone out of disdain for the lover's ceaseless prostrations, pointing out that it would have worn away on its own. While the noun form denotes revenge or return, here it strictly means replaced or altered.
Etymology
Derived from the Arabic root 'b-d-l' (بدل), meaning substitute or change, incorporated into Hindustani verbal inflection.
Usage
In ghazal poetry, 'badla' frequently occurs as either a noun denoting recompense or vengeance, or as a verb meaning to alter or substitute.
Examples
He changed his path upon seeing me.
The garden changed its colors with spring.