Word Meaning
शिकायत
shikayat
Meaning
Complaint, grievance, reproach, or lamentation.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetics, 'shikayat' denotes a formal or emotional grievance, typically directed against the cruelty of fate (charkh) or the indifference of the beloved. In this couplet, it represents the vocal expression and lamentation of deep-seated, heavy grief ('ranj-e-giraan-nasheen'). It is artfully paired in rhythm and rhyme with 'hikayat' (a tale or narrative) in the second line.
Etymology
Arabic (شِكَايَة, shikāyah), from the root sh-k-w (ش-ك-و), meaning to complain, lament, or express distress.
Usage
A quintessential trope of the ghazal, 'shikayat' captures the lover's paradox of perpetually reproaching the beloved's neglect while remaining unconditionally devoted.
Examples
A complaint against the beloved's tyranny
No complaint remained against fate