Word Meaning
सोता
sota
Meaning
Sleeping; remaining asleep or in a state of rest.
Detailed Meaning
In this couplet, 'sota' is the imperfective participle form of the verb 'sona' (to sleep), used here with 'rahega' to mean 'to keep sleeping'. Mir laments that his loud, uncontrollable weeping through the night inevitably disturbs the peace of the neighborhood. Thus, it ironically reflects how the lover's personal anguish deprives even innocent bystanders of their restful sleep.
Etymology
From Sanskrit 'सुप्त' (supta, asleep) or 'स्वपिति' (svapiti, sleeps), developing through Prakrit 'सुत्त' (sutta) into Hindustani 'सोना'/'सोता'.
Usage
In classical ghazal, sleeping is commonly contrasted with the lover's chronic insomnia and painful nightly vigil (shab-bedari).
Examples
How could one sleep through the night in such sorrow?
He remains asleep while the whole world wakes to weep.