From the art of the archer to the allure of the beloved—Andaaz

If you're a fan of Urdu poetry, there's no way you've missed the word andaaz (انداز). It signifies more than just style—it's a world of coquetry, grace, and allure. In the rich tradition of Urdu ghazals, andaaz embodies the delicate gestures of the mashooq (beloved) — whether it's shyness, a teasing smile, or the classic act of making the lover jealous or hard to get.

The Beloved's Andaaz:

One famous couplet captures this essence perfectly:

andāz apnā dekhte haiñ ā.ine meñ vo,
aur ye bhī dekhte haiñ koī dekhtā na ho.

She gazes at her coquetry, her style in the mirror,
And looks around to ensure no one is looking at her

Here, the andaaz refers to the beloved's captivating style, one that is both alluring and intentional.

Andaaz Beyond Poetry:

However, the concept of andaaz isn't limited to the poetic realm of the mashooq. It extends to many aspects of life:

• Andaaz-e-bayān (اندازِ بیان): The style of speaking or manner of expression. Ghalib's famous couplet "haiñ aur bhī duniyā meñ suḫhan-var bahut achchhe, kahte haiñ ki 'ġhālib' kā hai andāz-e-bayāñ aur" refers to the unique way of expression that sets Ghalib apart from other poets.

• Andaaz-e-guftugu (اندازِ گفتگو): The way of speaking or conversation, which suggests how words are delivered, not just what is said.

Andaaz as a Suffix:

The word andaaz doesn’t just stand alone; it also functions as a suffix in many compound words, expanding its meaning in intriguing ways:

• Teer-andaaz (تیر انداز): Archer or bowman, symbolizing the style or precision with which one aims. It connects andaaz to the idea of aim, focus, and direction.

Here’s an intriguing couplet to illustrate this:

tirchhī nazroñ se na dekho āshiq-e-dil-gīr ko,
kaise tīr-andāz ho sīdhā to kar lo tiir ko.

Don't look at the lover with a slanted gaze,
What kind of archer are you? Straighten your arrow!

It emphasizes the importance of focus and precision in the way one interacts with life and love—whether through an archer’s aim or the lover’s gaze.

The word andaaz is rooted in the Persian verb andakhtan, meaning to throw, aim, intend, or even eject. This root expands the meanings of andaaz to include:

• Andaaza (اندازہ): A frequently used word meaning estimation, rough guess, or evaluation.

• Teer-andaaz as an archer, and in this context, it emphasizes aim or intention, which are central to an archer's skill.

This root connection shows that andaaz is not just about style or appearance—it also includes the idea of directing, intending, or throwing something with purpose.

Some other examples of andaaz as a suffix:

• Nazar-andaaz (نظر انداز): To ignore or overlook someone, showing a lack of attention or care.

husn ko husn banāne meñ mirā haath bhī hai
aap mujh ko nazar-andāz nahīñ kar sakte

• Pas-andaaz (پس انداز): Savings or something that has been set aside, often used in a financial context.
• DaKHl-andaaz (دخَل انداز): Meddler or someone who interferes in matters that don’t concern them.
• Qur'a-andaaz (قُرعہ انداز): A dice thrower, or someone who conducts a lottery or raffle.
• Sang-andaaz (سنگ انداز): A stone thrower
• sang-andaazii  ( سنگ اندازی)   fault finding, negative criticism, pelting with stones 
• Jurm-e-qaabil-e-dast-andaazii refers to a crime that is fit to be interfered with or acted upon. Ther word dast means hand.

Muqaddama qaabil-e-dast andaazii is a legal term where police have the authority to make an arrest without a warrant.

The world of etymology is truly captivating! It’s amazing to see how one word can have so many meanings, each connected by its roots yet branching into completely different directions.