Word Meaning
हिलाया
hilāyā
Meaning
Moved, shook, or stirred; caused to move or gesture.
Detailed Meaning
In this couplet, 'हिलाया' functions in the passive-potential negative construction ('हिलाया न गया') to describe total submission and immobility. Under the oppressor's sword, the lover could not or would not move even his head, demonstrating absolute surrender to love without the slightest gesture of resistance. It signifies the extreme discipline of devotion where even an involuntary flinch is suppressed.
Etymology
From Hindustani/Prakrit, tracing to Sanskrit root 'हिल्' (hil - to shake, move, or tremble).
Usage
In ghazal poetry, it commonly pairs with 'सर' (head) or 'लब' (lips) to illustrate silent grief, defiance, or profound surrender.
Examples
Not even the lips were moved in complaint.
A nod of the head was accepted as silent agreement.