kaanTe(m): thorns

Description of kaanTe:

Kaante is the Hindi word for "thorns," referring to sharp, pointed projections on plants or animals that serve as a natural defense mechanism. Unlike leaves, which perform photosynthesis, kaante provide protection without contributing to nutrient production. Differs from spines, which are modified leaves or stalks in cacti, as kaante are typically hardened leaf stipules or outgrowths. In Urdu poetry, kaante symbolize life's painful obstacles, as in verses evoking love's torment