Word Meaning
बहा
bahā
Meaning
Flowed, ran down; also evokes blood-money or cost.
Detailed Meaning
In this couplet, 'बहा' functions literally as the past tense of the verb 'बहना' (to flow), depicting the spilling of blood from the lover's wounded liver. Classical poets frequently create a subtle double entendre (īhām) with the Persian word 'bahā' (price or ransom), evoking 'ख़ूँ-बहा' (blood-money). Thus, it conveys both the physical effusion of blood and the ultimate cost of passion.
Etymology
Sanskrit वहति (vahati) through Prakrit वहइ (vahai) into Hindustani 'बहना'; poetically alludes to Persian بها (bahā, value/ransom).
Usage
In classical Urdu ghazal, 'बहा' is often paired with tears or blood, frequently playing upon the Persian homophone for price or ransom.
Examples
ashk āñkhoñ se thā baha kabhī
lahū jo thā rag-e-dil se baha