Word Meaning
मस्ताँ
mastāñ
Meaning
Intoxicated ones, drunkards; carefree or spiritually ecstatic people.
Detailed Meaning
In Persian and Urdu grammar, 'mastāñ' is the plural of 'mast', designating individuals who are intoxicated, spiritually ecstatic, or completely unbothered by worldly distress. In Ghalib's couplet, it represents enlightened, free-spirited mystics whose profound detachment considers complaining about bad luck or harsh fate an absolute disgrace to their wisdom. It celebrates the philosophical fortitude of those who accept life's turbulent turnings with poise rather than lamentation.
Etymology
Persian: from 'mast' (intoxicated, ecstatic) + '-ān' (animate plural suffix).
Usage
In classical Urdu ghazal, it typically symbolizes true lovers or enlightened ecstatics who transcend orthodox worldly judgment and sorrow.
Examples
bazm-e-mastāñ (the assembly of the intoxicated)
nang-e-fahm-e-mastāñ (a disgrace to the wisdom of the free-spirited)