Word Meaning
हशम
hasham
Meaning
Retinue, pomp, grandeur, or attendants and followers of a ruler.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'hasham' denotes worldly magnificence, retinue, and the suite of attendants surrounding kings and aristocrats. In this couplet, it occurs as part of the compound 'jaah-o-hasham' (rank and grandeur), highlighting the hollow and ephemeral nature of worldly glory. The poet illustrates this transience by dismissing even the legendary imperial authority symbolized by Solomon's signet ring.
Etymology
Arabic (حَشَم, ḥasham), referring to attendants, servants, or dependents.
Usage
Most frequently used in the hendiadys 'jaah-o-hasham' to evoke mortal hubris and hollow imperial power in classical ghazals.
Examples
All worldly pomp and retinue fade into dust.
He gave up the royal retinue for a dervish's cloak.