Word Meaning
लिखा
likhā
Meaning
Written, inscribed; preordained or destined.
Detailed Meaning
In general usage, 'likha' is the past participle of 'likhna', meaning written, inscribed, or recorded. In classical Urdu poetry, it frequently carries the metaphysical connotation of destiny or preordained fate inscribed upon the cosmic tablet. In Mir's verse, it questions whether such heartbreak and cruel mistreatment were inalterably decreed in his destiny ('sar-navisht').
Etymology
From Sanskrit likhita (लिखित, 'written/scratched') through Prakrit likkhiya, from the verbal root likh-.
Usage
In ghazal poetics, 'likha' is frequently paired with concepts of fate (qismat, taqdir, lawh-o-qalam) to signify unavoidable destiny.
Examples
What was written in fate could never be erased.
A tale of sorrow was written upon the brow.