Word Meaning
सूरत-बाज़ियाँ
sūrat-bāziyāñ
hinoun, feminine, plural
Meaning
Illusionary forms, tricks of appearance, or shapeshifting deceptions.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu metaphysics, 'sūrat-bāzī' denotes the conjuring of transient or deceptive forms. In this couplet, it refers to the kaleidoscopic shapes and phenomena produced by the union of the four primary elements (earth, water, air, fire). The poet equates the physical universe to an elusive magic show of forms.
Etymology
Arabic 'ṣūrat' (face, form, appearance) + Persian '-bāzī' (playing, trick, sport).
Usage
Frequently deployed in Sufistic and philosophical ghazals to evoke the deceptive and ever-shifting spectacle of the phenomenal world.
Examples
The world is nothing but shapeshifting deceptions.
Behold the endless tricks of appearance played by nature.
Synonyms
शो'बदेतिलिस्मनज़र-बंदीमाया-जाल
Related Words
सूरत-बाज़सूरतबाज़ीशो'बदा-बाज़ी