Word Meaning
हिना
hina
hinoun
Meaning
Henna; a plant used as a reddish-orange cosmetic dye.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'hina' denotes henna, traditionally applied to embellish the beloved's hands, feet, and nails. In this couplet, Ghalib employs the trope that the beloved's nails were previously dyed red with the slain lover's blood, but in his absence, she must lamentably rely on ordinary henna.
Etymology
Arabic حِنَّاء (ḥinnāʾ), loaned through Persian into Urdu and Hindi.
Usage
In ghazal poetry, henna is routinely coupled with the lover's blood to symbolize the lethal beauty and indifference of the beloved.
Examples
The trace of fresh henna upon delicate fingers
Henna that owes its redness to the lover's heart
Synonyms
मेहँदीमेंहदी
Related Words
मेहँदीनाख़ुनरंगख़ून