A pen or writing instrument.

Origin: The word 'قَلَم' (qalam) originates from the Arabic word 'قَلَم' (qalamu), which means a pen or reed pen. It was borrowed into Persian and later into Urdu due to cultural and scholarly exchanges in the Islamic world.
Historical and Cultural Context: The term was first used in the context of reed pens made from bamboo, which were commonly used in the Middle East for calligraphy and writing. It became a symbol of literacy and scholarly pursuits.
Evolution: Over time, 'قَلَم' (qalam) maintained its meaning across different languages, such as Persian and Urdu. It also led to the creation of cognates like 'calamus' in Latin, which refers to a reed.
Modern Relevance: Today, 'قَلَم' (qalam) is used in Urdu to refer to any pen or writing instrument, including modern ballpoint pens. It appears in idiomatic expressions such as 'قلم کی طاقت' (qalam ki taqat), meaning 'the power of the pen'.

The word 'qalam' is often associated with the phrase 'The pen is mightier than the sword', highlighting the power of writing and ideas over violence.