Word Meaning
मुद्दई
mudda'ī
Meaning
Claimant, plaintiff; in love poetry, a rival or adversary.
Detailed Meaning
Literally denoting a legal plaintiff or claimant, in classical Urdu poetry 'mudda'i' commonly signifies a rival lover (raqib) who lays claim to the beloved's affections. In Ghalib's couplet, the poet laments that this presumptuous rival has become the traveling companion of the beloved. The word conveys deep romantic jealousy and indignation over the rival's unearned closeness to the beloved.
Etymology
Arabic (مُدَّعٍ / مُدَّعِي), active participle form VIII of the triconsonantal root d-'-w (د-ع-و), meaning to call, claim, or allege.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, 'mudda'i' is frequently employed alongside or as a synonym for 'raqib', highlighting the adversary's contested claim over the beloved.
Examples
Even if the rival desires harm, only God's will prevails.
The claimant had no proof of his devotion.