Word Meaning
सुराही
surāhī
Meaning
A long-necked flagon or decanter used for serving wine.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'surāhī' denotes an elegant, long-necked flagon traditionally used for serving wine in gatherings. In the cited couplet, it represents the conventional material paraphernalia of the tavern, contrasting with the beloved's glance which alone suffices to intoxicate and enliven the assembly. It is also often poetically personified for its graceful neck and its gurgling pour, likened to melodious laughter or weeping.
Etymology
Derived from Arabic صُرَاحِيَّة (ṣurāḥiyya), meaning a long-necked bottle or decanter.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, the surāhī symbolizes tavern revelry, and its slender neck ('surāhī-dār gardan') is a standard metaphor for feminine elegance.
Examples
Behold whether it is the rotation of the cup or the dance of the flagon.
The flagon that wept with ringing laughter throughout the night.