Word Meaning
लड़ाइयाँ
laṛā'iyāñ
Meaning
battles, combats, feuds, or conflicts
Detailed Meaning
Refers to battles, quarrels, or continuous strife, functioning here as both literal combat and metaphorical romantic conflict. In Mir's couplet, it builds upon the idiom 'āṅkheṅ laṛānā' (to exchange glances or fall in love) with a belligerent beloved ('jang-jū'), resulting in enduring emotional turmoil. The plural form highlights repeated clashes and suffering in the arena of passion.
Etymology
Derived from the Hindi-Urdu verb 'laṛnā' (to fight), tracing back to Indo-Aryan/Prakrit vernacular roots.
Usage
In classical Urdu ghazals, poets frequently exploit this word to pun on the idiom 'āṅkheṅ laṛānā' (falling in love through eye contact) versus real warfare.
Examples
Love's persistent battles bring no peace.
Glances met, and countless battles began.