Word Meaning
भूके
bhuke
hiadjective
Meaning
Hungry, starving; having an intense craving or longing for something.
Detailed Meaning
In Urdu and Hindi poetry, 'bhuke' serves as the plural or oblique form of 'bhuka' (hungry). In this couplet, the caged captive insists that it does not yearn for physical grain and water ('aab-o-daana'). Rather, it values spiritual and aesthetic connection to the garden, needing only a few rose petals to survive.
Etymology
Derived from Sanskrit 'बुभुक्षित' (bubhukṣita) via Prakrit 'बुभुक्ख' (bubhukkha) into Hindi/Urdu.
Usage
In classical ghazal, hunger and thirst are frequently elevated above mere physical appetite to represent selfless devotion and disdain for worldly sustenance.
Examples
We are not hungry for grain and water.
The hungry eyes sought only a glimpse of the beloved.
Synonyms
भूखेतिश्नहहाजत-मंदग़ुरसनाक
Related Words
भूखआब-ओ-दानाफ़ाक़ाहसरत