Word Meaning
सिखाई
sikhāī
Meaning
Taught; imparted knowledge, skill, or habit (feminine past tense).
Detailed Meaning
In this couplet, 'सिखाई' refers to teaching or instilling the art of singing verses ('ग़ज़ल-ख़्वानी') into the speaker. It conveys an intimate, perhaps reproachful reminder that the beloved herself was the muse and teacher behind the lover's vocal grief. Grammatically, it is the feminine past-tense form of the causative verb 'सिखाना', agreeing with the feminine noun 'ग़ज़ल-ख़्वानी'.
Etymology
From Prakrit, ultimately derived from Sanskrit शिक्षयति (śikṣayati, 'causes to learn') through the root शिक्ष (śikṣ, 'to study/learn').
Usage
In classical Urdu ghazal, it is frequently used to attribute either the arts of passion or the habits of cruelty to the beloved or to destiny.
Examples
You taught my eyes the art of weeping.
Who taught you these modes of cruelty?