Urdu Dictionary
Arabic · noun · Struggle & the Sword

Khanjar

ख़ंजर
said khan-JAR
Meaning

A dagger, especially a curved one worn at the belt.

Literally: dagger; poniard

How Iqbal uses it

Khanjar is the dagger. Like the sword and the blade, it serves Iqbal as an image of cutting resolve and, at times, of treachery when turned against one's own. The worth of the weapon, in his verse, is always decided by the hand and the heart that wield it.

See it in the verse

Khanjar in Iqbal’s couplets

Tumhari tahzib apne khanjar se aap hi khud-kushi karegi
Jo shakh-e-nazuk pe aashiyana banega na-paedar hoga
Your civilisation will take its own life with its own dagger; a nest built on a fragile branch will never last.
Adversity · Self-Knowledge · Justice
Related words
SANSKRIT

Katar

An Indian push-dagger with an H-shaped grip, thrust with the fist.

PERSIAN

Peshqabz

A dagger with a straight, tapering blade designed to pierce mail armour.

PERSIAN

Shamsheer

A sword, especially the curved scimitar; symbol of martial glory.

PERSIAN

Tegh

A sword or blade; the cutting edge of a weapon.

PERSIAN

Khoon

Blood.

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