Word Meaning
मिलाया
milāyā
Meaning
Mixed, joined, or consigned (specifically here: reduced to dust or destroyed).
Detailed Meaning
In standard usage, the word signifies joining, blending, or uniting two entities. In this couplet, it functions within the classical idiom 'ख़ाक में मिलाना' (to reduce to dust), depicting how a burnt seed brings utter ruin to the farmer's hopes. It conveys a poignant sense of fruitless existence and devastating loss.
Etymology
Derived from Sanskrit 'मेलन' (melana, joining/encounter) through Prakrit 'मिलइ' (milai) into Hindustani 'मिलाना'.
Usage
In classical ghazals, while it often marks the joyous union of hearts or hands, it frequently couples with 'ख़ाक' to express tragic destruction and wasted devotion.
Examples
Khāk mein us ne mirī sārī tamannā ko milāyā
Hāth se hāth milāyā to judāī na rahī