Meaning of
shah-maat
शह-मात • شہ مات
English
checkmate; defeat
Hindi
शह और मात; पराजय
Urdu
شہ اور مات; شکست
Origin
Persian
Ash'aar
nahin paai tumhaare haath vo khairaat kya hogii
mile jo baap-dada se na vo shahmaat kya hogii
mita kar kul-gharaane ko bade tum ban ga.e ik din
jo peechhe ghar nahin hogaa to phir auqaat kya hogii
0
laga hai girane jo tu mujh ko mat kar
meri pahli hi chaal shah-maat hogii
2
nahin paai tumhaare haath vo khairaat kya hogii
mile jo baap-dada se na vo shahmaat kya hogii
mita kar kul-gharaane ko bade tum ban ga.e ik din
jo peechhe ghar nahin hogaa to phir auqaat kya hogii
0
laga hai girane jo tu mujh ko mat kar
meri pahli hi chaal shah-maat hogii
2
Nuance
In its original sense, 'shah-maat' signifies the end of a chess game, where the king is trapped with no escape. This term has transcended its literal meaning to embody the concept of an ultimate defeat or an insurmountable challenge. In poetry, it evokes the imagery of a strategic battle, where intellect and fate intertwine.
Poetic Usage
Poets often use 'shah-maat' to depict the inevitability of fate. It can symbolize a lover's surrender in the face of overwhelming emotion or the futility of resisting destiny. The term contrasts with victory, highlighting the delicate balance between triumph and defeat.
Closing Insight
In the realm of poetry, 'shah-maat' captures the profound dance of strategy and surrender. It reminds us of the beauty in accepting fate's final move.