Word Meaning
बर्छियों
barchhiyoñ
Meaning
Small spears, javelins, or sharp lances (plural oblique form).
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'barchhī' refers to a light spear, dart, or lance, frequently employed as a metaphor for the piercing eyelashes or sharp glances of the beloved. In this couplet, the beloved's lashes are personified as cruel spears that mutually tear apart and divide the lover's heart. It vividly portrays the painful, fatal allure of the beloved's beauty.
Etymology
Derived from Old Indo-Aryan / Prakrit (cognate with Sanskrit 'बर्ह' or Deshya origins), evolving into Hindustani 'बर्छा/बर्छी'.
Usage
In ghazal tradition, 'barchhī' belongs to the weapon imagery (like teer, khanjar, and talwaar) linked specifically to the deadly effect of the beloved's eyelashes and gaze.
Examples
Wounded by the spears of her eyelashes
Tormented by the piercing strike of javelins