Word Meaning
बनों
banon
Meaning
Forests, jungles, or wildernesses (oblique plural of 'ban').
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'ban' denotes a forest, jungle, or uninhabited wilderness, derived from the Sanskrit 'vana'. In this couplet, 'banon mein' refers to ascetic lovers of God wandering through desolate woods and wildernesses in solitude, contrasted with the superior virtue of serving humanity in society. It highlights religious renunciation versus active empathy for fellow human beings.
Etymology
Sanskrit 'वन' (vana) via Prakrit into Hindi/Urdu as 'बन' (ban).
Usage
Frequently used in classical verse to symbolize solitude, ascetic detachment, or the desolate wilderness traversed by mad lovers like Majnun.
Examples
wandering in the wilderness and forests
roaming aimlessly through the woods