सरकार

Meaning

Lord, master, ruler, or an honorific address like 'Your Excellency'.

Detailed Meaning

Literally referring to a court, ruler, or government, in classical Urdu poetry 'sarkār' is commonly used as a respectful vocative for the beloved or patron. In this couplet, it serves as an honorific address ('O Master/Lord') directed at the beloved, establishing a contrast with the lover's status as a humble servant ('bandā').

Etymology

Persian compound word formed from 'sar' (head, chief) and 'kār' (work, affairs), denoting a supervisor, lord, or court.

Usage

In the ghazal, poets frequently address the beloved as 'sarkār' to emphasize the beloved's absolute authority over the subservient lover.

Examples

Synonyms

Related Words