Word Meaning
सिकंदरी
sikandari
Meaning
Imperial majesty, world-conquering power, or sovereignty like that of Alexander the Great.
Detailed Meaning
Sikandari refers to the supreme royal splendor, conquests, and sovereign authority associated with Alexander the Great. In this couplet, it embodies the highest conceivable pinnacle of worldly pomp and political rule, which pales into utter insignificance before the detached spiritual vision of a dervish (faqr). The term illustrates how material empire is hollow compared to moral independence.
Etymology
Derived from Persian 'Sikandar' (from Greek 'Alexandros' via Syriac/Arabic) with the Persian suffix of relation/quality '-i'.
Usage
In classical Urdu and Persian poetry, 'Sikandari' is paired often with 'Qaisari' or 'Khusrawi' as an archetypal motif for imperial power, usually invoked to emphasize the transience of worldly dominion.
Examples
Shaan-e-sikandari o aalam-geeri
Daad deta hai fana shaan-e-sikandari ko