शेर-अफ़्गन

Meaning

A lion-slayer or conqueror; one who overthrows lions.

Detailed Meaning

Literally translates to 'lion-thrower' or 'lion-slayer', an epithet traditionally denoting an exceptionally valiant warrior. In this verse, Ghalib employs it with keen irony to satirize wealthy cowards who display bravado only in comfort and safety against a decorative lion woven into a rug. It highlights false courage and hollow boasting.

Etymology

Persian compound formed from 'sher' (lion) and 'afgan' (agentive form of afgandan, meaning to cast down or overthrow).

Usage

In classical Urdu poetry, it is employed both as a sincere mark of supreme bravery and, as in Ghalib's usage, ironically to puncture the pretensions of cowards.

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