Word Meaning
लश्करियाँ
lashkariyāñ
hinoun, plural
Meaning
Soldiers, troops, or armed combatants.
Detailed Meaning
A Persian-derived plural referring to soldiers, combatants, or the rank-and-file troops of an army. In this couplet by Iqbal, it depicts broken and demoralized ranks of soldiers suffering under an unworthy commander. It evokes a poignant image of collective helplessness and wasted potential on the battlefield of life.
Etymology
Persian, derived from 'lashkar' (army) + suffix '-ī' + plural marker '-ān' (adapted to -āñ in Urdu).
Usage
In classical and modernist Urdu poetry, it frequently symbolizes the undisciplined or abandoned masses of an army contrasting with their commander.
Examples
Demoralized troops scattered across the field.
The soldiers wandered without their commander.
Synonyms
सिपाहीफ़ौजीअस्कर
Related Words
लश्करमीर-ए-सिपाहशिकस्ता-सफ़सिपहसालार