“Bholi” by K. A. Abbas is an inspiring story from the NCERT Class 10 English supplementary reader Footprints Without Feet. The chapter highlights social discrimination, women empowerment, education, self-respect, and confidence. Below are complete step-by-step solutions of all textbook questions in simple Unicode Hindi-English mixed language suitable for direct portal upload.
Quick Information Box
Topic
Details
Chapter Name
Bholi
Book
Footprints Without Feet
Class
10
Subject
English
Author
K. A. Abbas
Main Theme
Women Empowerment & Education
Important Characters
Bholi, Ramlal, Teacher, Bishamber Nath
Moral
Education gives confidence and self-respect
Concepts Used (Topics Covered)
Character Sketch
Theme of Women Empowerment
Importance of Education
Self-Confidence Development
Dowry System
Social Discrimination
Equality of Girls
Moral Values
Important Formulas / Key Points
Education → Confidence → Self Respect
Fear Removed → Speech Improved
Self Respect > Forced Marriage
Teacher’s Encouragement = Personality Development
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions with Explanation
Question 1
Why is Bholi’s father worried about her?
Step-by-Step Solution
Bholi was mentally slow due to a childhood injury.
She had pockmarks on her face after smallpox.
She stammered while speaking.
People considered her unattractive and unintelligent.
Her father worried that no one would marry her.
Final Answer
Bholi’s father was worried because she was not physically attractive, she stammered, and she was considered less intelligent than other children. He feared she would never get married.
Question 2
For what unusual reasons is Bholi sent to school?
Step-by-Step Solution
The Tehsildar asked villagers to send daughters to school.
Ramlal wanted to obey the government official.
Bholi’s mother thought she had little chance of marriage.
Therefore, they decided to send only Bholi to school.
Final Answer
Bholi was sent to school not because her parents valued education, but because they believed she was unlikely to get married and the teachers could take care of her.
Question 3
Does Bholi enjoy her first day at school?
Step-by-Step Solution
Initially, Bholi was frightened.
She thought she might be abandoned like their cow Lakshmi.
At school, she saw many girls and colorful pictures.
Her teacher spoke kindly to her.
She slowly started feeling happy and hopeful.
Final Answer
Yes, after initial fear, Bholi enjoyed her first day at school because the environment was friendly and her teacher treated her with kindness.
Question 4
Does she find her teacher different from the people at home?
Step-by-Step Solution
People at home mocked Bholi.
Nobody encouraged her.
The teacher spoke softly and patiently.
She motivated Bholi to speak confidently.
She gave Bholi hope for a better future.
Final Answer
Yes, Bholi found her teacher very different because she was kind, encouraging, patient, and caring unlike the people at home.
Why do Bholi’s parents accept Bishamber’s marriage proposal?
Step-by-Step Solution
Bishamber was wealthy.
He owned a shop and property.
He demanded no dowry initially.
Bholi’s parents thought no better proposal would come.
They ignored his old age and limp.
Final Answer
Bholi’s parents accepted Bishamber’s proposal because he was rich and initially demanded no dowry. They believed Bholi was fortunate to receive such a proposal.
Question 6
Why does the marriage not take place?
Step-by-Step Solution
Bishamber saw Bholi’s pockmarked face.
He demanded ₹5000 as dowry.
Ramlal agreed helplessly.
Bholi realized Bishamber was greedy and cruel.
She refused the marriage confidently.
Final Answer
The marriage did not take place because Bishamber demanded dowry after seeing Bholi’s face. Bholi rejected the marriage because she would not marry a greedy and disrespectful man.
Think About It
Question 1
What made Bholi feel she was going to a better place than her home?
Step-by-Step Solution
She was given clean clothes.
She was bathed and cared for.
Her father spoke gently to her.
She felt special attention for the first time.
Therefore, she believed school was a better place.
Final Answer
Bholi felt she was going to a better place because she received care, clean clothes, and kindness before going to school.
Question 2
How did Bholi’s teacher change her life?
Step-by-Step Solution
The teacher encouraged Bholi to speak.
She removed fear from Bholi’s mind.
She treated her with affection and respect.
Education gave Bholi confidence.
Finally, Bholi became brave and self-dependent.
Final Answer
Bholi’s teacher transformed her life by giving her confidence, education, self-respect, and courage to stand against injustice.
Question 3
Why did Bholi first agree and later reject the marriage?
Step-by-Step Solution
Initially, she wanted to protect her family’s honour.
She accepted the unequal match silently.
When Bishamber demanded dowry, she understood his greed.
Education had made her confident and self-aware.
Therefore, she rejected the marriage.
Final Answer
Bholi first agreed to the marriage for her family’s respect, but later rejected it because she realized Bishamber was greedy and selfish.
