Word Meaning
मआश
ma'aash
Meaning
Livelihood, subsistence, means of living, or maintenance.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'ma'aash' denotes livelihood, maintenance, or the means required to sustain life. In this couplet, Ghalib metaphorically treats the stones cast by children as the allocated stipend or sustenance for love's madness. Consequently, the mad lover must endure the whims of boys merely to collect his 'livelihood' of stones.
Etymology
Arabic (مَعَاش), derived from the triconsonantal root ʿ-y-sh (ع-ي-ش), meaning 'to live' or 'subsist'.
Usage
In classical ghazal, 'fikr-e-ma'aash' (anxiety for livelihood) is often portrayed as the mundane obstacle that distracts the poet-lover from romance and devotion.
Examples
Fikr-e-ma'aash keeps one entangled in worldly cares.
The mad lover sought no subsistence other than grief.