Word Meaning
बस्ते
baste
Meaning
Were populated, flourished, or dwelled (habitual/participle form of basnā).
Detailed Meaning
In Urdu poetry, 'baste' is the imperfective participle form of the verb 'basnā' (to be settled, populated, or thrive). In this couplet, it stands in stark contrast to the desolate wilderness ('dasht'), remembering vibrant cities that once teemed with life. It reflects the poetic contemplation on time, mutability, and civilizational ruin.
Etymology
From Sanskrit वसति (vasati - dwells, abides), through Prakrit वस्सइ (vassaï) into Hindustani बसना (basnā).
Usage
In classical ghazal, it is often paired antithetically with notions of 'ujāṛ' (ruin) or 'dasht' (wilderness) to depict lost love or faded glory.
Examples
Where people once lived, now only silence dwells.
Once whole cities flourished in this now desolate realm.