Word Meaning
राह-दाँ
raah-daañ
Meaning
One who knows the path; a guide, leader, or experienced traveler.
Detailed Meaning
Formed from the Persian 'raah' (way) and 'daan' (knowing), it designates an adept traveler or knowledgeable guide. In this couplet, 'mard-e-raah-daan' represents a visionary and competent mentor capable of showing direction to those who are lost. It carries connotations of spiritual and intellectual leadership in classical literature.
Etymology
Persian: compound of 'rāh' (way, road) and the agentive suffix '-dān' (from dānistan, to know).
Usage
In ghazal poetry, it frequently denotes a spiritual mentor (murshid) or visionary leader guiding travelers across the perilous wilderness of worldly existence.
Examples
Without a true guide on the road, reaching the destination is impossible.
The lost caravan wandered the desert, longing for someone who knew the path.