वाली

Meaning

Ruler, master, sovereign, or guardian.

Detailed Meaning

In classical Urdu literature, 'waali' signifies a ruler, governor, or rightful lord of a region. In this couplet, 'dayar-e-gham ke waali' refers metaphorically to the lover or the heart as the sovereign master of the realm of sorrow. The poet ironically notes a grievous defect in this ruler, whose kingdom is entirely ruined by love.

Etymology

Arabic root w-l-y (و-ل-ي), meaning to be close to, manage, or govern; derived from 'wali' (governor/guardian).

Usage

In classical ghazal poetry, it often appears in metaphors of governance where the lover or heart is cast as the ruler of a domain of grief or longing.

Examples

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Related Words