शिकस्ता

Meaning

Broken, shattered, defeated, or disordered.

Detailed Meaning

In Urdu poetry, 'shikasta' primarily means broken, impaired, or in a state of disarray. In the given couplet, it modifies ranks ('shikasta-saf'), depicting a routed, disorderly, and demoralized army. Beyond military contexts, it is widely used metaphorically for deep emotional distress, such as a fractured heart or shattered pride.

Etymology

Persian, past participle of 'shikastan' (شکستن, to break).

Usage

In the ghazal tradition, it commonly combines with nouns like 'dil' (heart) or 'khat' (script) to evoke themes of grief, ruin, and fragile endurance.

Examples

Synonyms

Related Words