Word Meaning
मुलाक़ात
mulaaqaat
Meaning
A meeting, rendezvous, interview, or encounter between individuals.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetics, 'mulaqat' refers to an intimate meeting or encounter between lovers or companions. In this couplet, it represents the cherished rendezvous with moon-faced beauties for which the speaker seeks an excuse, adopting the art of portrait painting as a pretext. It conveys the lover's active maneuvering to overcome separation and secure proximity.
Etymology
Arabic 'mulāqāt' (ملاقاة), verbal noun from the root l-q-y (ل-ق-ي) meaning 'to meet' or 'to encounter'.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, 'mulaqat' is frequently portrayed as difficult to attain, requiring elaborate excuses ('taqreeb') to bypass societal vigil and the beloved's coyness.
Examples
A pretext was needed for a meeting with the beloved.
After an era of separation, a brief meeting took place.