Word Meaning
सर-कशाँ
sar-kashāñ
Meaning
Rebellious, proud, or defiant ones; those who hold their heads high.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu and Persian poetry, 'sar-kashān' is the plural of 'sar-kash', denoting proud, defiant, or rebellious individuals who lift their heads in arrogance. In this couplet, it evokes the hubris of elevating oneself in the world, only to ultimately meet humiliation as dust trodden underfoot. It underscores a traditional poetic meditation on human vanity and the inevitable downfall of pride.
Etymology
Persian: compound of 'sar' (head) + 'kash' (from kashīdan, to pull/raise) + '-ān' (animate plural suffix).
Usage
Commonly used in ghazals to contrast haughtiness and worldly ambition with existential mortality and spiritual humility.
Examples
The pride of the defiant ended in the dust of the road.
Destiny eventually humbles all who walk with heads held high.