Meaning
A settlement, inhabited locality, or hamlet.
How Iqbal uses it
Everyday word; from 'basna' (to settle); any populated quarter.
See it in the verse
Basti in Iqbal’s couplets
Sooni padi hui hai muddat se dil ki basti
Aa ik naya shiwala is des mein bana den
Aa ik naya shiwala is des mein bana den
The dwelling of the heart has lain desolate for ages — come, let us build a new temple in this land.
Unity · Hope · Love
Anokhi waza hai saare zamane se nirale hain
Ye aashiq kaun si basti ke ya-rab rahne wale hain
Ye aashiq kaun si basti ke ya-rab rahne wale hain
Their manner is singular, set apart from all the world — which town, O Lord, do these lovers belong to?
Love · Selfhood · Restlessness
Kabhi jo aawara-e-junun the vo bastiyon mein phir aa basenge
Barahna-paai vahi rahegi magar naya khaarzaar hoga
Barahna-paai vahi rahegi magar naya khaarzaar hoga
Those who once wandered in the wilderness of passion will come back and settle in the towns; the bare feet will be the same, but the field of thorns will be new.
Adversity · Restlessness · Courage