रसा

Meaning

Effective, penetrating, or reaching its destination.

Detailed Meaning

In Persian and Urdu poetry, 'rasa' refers to something that reaches its mark or proves deeply penetrating. In this couplet, it qualifies a lover's lament ('naala'), asking what cry could possibly be called effective if not this one. It highlights the sorrowful sigh's power to reach the beloved or cause a swoon.

Etymology

Persian, from the present root of the verb 'rasīdan' (رسیدن, to reach or arrive).

Usage

In the ghazal tradition, it most commonly qualifies words like 'naala' (lament), 'aah' (sigh), or 'fariyaad' (cry for help) to depict a plea capable of piercing the heavens or moving an indifferent beloved.

Examples

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Related Words