Word Meaning
महताबी
mahtābī
hinoun, feminine
Meaning
Moonlight, silvery radiance, or illumination resembling the moon.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'mahtābī' denotes moonlit brilliance, silvery luminescence, or historically an open rooftop terrace built to enjoy moonlight. In this couplet, it captures the tragic, ghostly radiance cast across courtyards by the mortal dust of once-radiant, moon-faced beauties.
Etymology
Persian (mahtāb 'moonlight/moon' + suffix -ī).
Usage
Commonly used in ghazals to evoke soft nocturnal brilliance, aristocratic terrace architecture, or the fair complexion of the beloved.
Examples
The night slipped away under that silvery moonlight
A pale mahtabi had illuminated the silent courtyard
Synonyms
चाँदनीनूरदरख़्शानी
Related Words
महताबमाह-वशशब-ए-महताब