Word Meaning
रम-ख़ुर्दा
ram-khurda
Meaning
Startled, frightened, or skittish like an untamed animal that flees.
Detailed Meaning
Literally meaning 'stricken by flight' or 'frightened away', it describes a creature or person in a state of terror and wild avoidance. In the context of the couplet, it qualifies an untamed gazelle (aahu) whose inherent wildness and fear of humans are nearly impossible to tame. It reflects the elusive and shy nature of the beloved who avoids attachment.
Etymology
Persian: 'ram' (flight, fleeing, shyness) + 'khurda' (past participle of khurdan, literally 'consumed by' or 'stricken with').
Usage
Commonly paired with 'aahu' (gazelle) in ghazals to evoke the beloved's skittish, untamable nature.
Examples
aahu-e-ram-khurda sa bhaagna (fleeing like a startled gazelle)
dil-e-ram-khurda ki be-qaraari (the restlessness of a frightened heart)