Word Meaning
मौता
mauta
Meaning
The dead or deceased; lifeless ones who have passed away.
Detailed Meaning
In Arabic, 'mauta' is the plural form of 'mayyit', referring to the dead or deceased persons. In classical Urdu poetry, it is often invoked paradoxically alongside ideas of eternal life, especially representing the lover who attains spiritual immortality through death in love. In this couplet, it describes someone who appears dead yet enjoys everlasting life.
Etymology
Arabic, plural of mayyit (مَيِّت), derived from the root m-w-t (م و ت) meaning death or dying.
Usage
Commonly used in Sufi and classical ghazal traditions to highlight the mystical paradox of attaining eternal life through self-effacement.
Examples
Such a lifeless soul who yet lives forever.
Among the ranks of the dead, his memory remained.