Word Meaning
माने
māni‘
Meaning
A hindrance, obstacle, deterrent, or that which prevents.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'māniʻ' denotes a barrier, impediment, or forbidding condition that disrupts the progress of love. In Ghalib's couplet, it appears in an izafat construction ('māni‘-e-āshiq-nawāzī'), where the beloved's narcissistic pride becomes the direct obstacle preventing her from showing grace to lovers.
Etymology
Arabic, active participle derived from the root m-n-‘ (م-ن-ع), meaning to prevent, forbid, or withhold.
Usage
In the ghazal, it is commonly linked via izafat to emotional states or external barriers (such as modesty, society, or rivals) that prevent the union of lovers.
Examples
Fear of social disgrace was an obstacle to longing.
The mountain of grief became a barrier to meeting.