शराब-ख़ाने

Meaning

Tavern, winehouse, or drinking place (oblique form).

Detailed Meaning

In classical Urdu poetry, 'sharab-khana' refers to the tavern, serving as an allegorical space of spiritual ecstasy, sincerity, and freedom from dogma. In this couplet, it appears in the oblique case, ironically suggesting the sanctimonious city Sheikh would have been fit for the tavern's cup-bearing duties. It heightens the poetic contrast between exterior piety and genuine surrender.

Etymology

Compound of Arabic 'sharāb' (drink, wine) and Persian 'khāna' (house, dwelling).

Usage

In the ghazal tradition, the tavern is routinely contrasted with the mosque to mock ritualistic hypocrisy and praise ecstatic devotion.

Examples

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Related Words