Word Meaning
रूमाल
rūmāl
hinoun
Meaning
Handkerchief or small cloth used to wipe tears or the face
Detailed Meaning
A small square of fabric carried for wiping the face, sweat, or tears. In classical ghazal poetry, it is a poignant motif often portrayed as soaked through with the lover's ceaseless weeping. In Mir's couplet, it is likened to a heavy, rain-laden cloud due to being drenched overnight by his tearful eyes.
Etymology
Persian rūmāl (compound of rū 'face' + māl 'wiper/rubbing', from mālīdan 'to rub')
Usage
In classical Urdu poetry, the rūmāl is commonly invoked as an intimate witness to the lover's unceasing tears in separation.
Examples
A handkerchief soaked in the sorrow of parting
Tears fell freely upon the silken handkerchief
Synonyms
दस्तीअंगोछारूमाली
Related Words
दीदा-ए-तरअश्कदामनआब-दीदा