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Attempt the Following Question in 100–150 Words. How Did Education Change Bholi’S Personality? Attempt the following question in 100–150 words. How did education change Bholi’s personality? Education changed Bholi’s personality drastically and for good.

1. She struggled with stammering when she first went to school but then her teacher showed immense confidence in her and helped her read, write and speak.
2. This infused a lot of confidence in her and she was able to speak for herself and her poor father.
3. On her wedding day, she gathered the courage to stop the greedy groom from garlanding her and commanded her father to take back all his money from the groom.

Had Bholi not been sent to school, she would have remained the docile and shy girl who would have stammered all her life. Concept: Reading Skill (Non-textual) Is there an error in this question or solution? : Attempt the Following Question in 100–150 Words.
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How did Bholi teacher play an important role in changing our life?

Bholi’s teacher played an important role in changing the course of her life. She was polite and friendly which touched her heart. She encouraged Bholi every time and was affectionate towards her. She asked Bholi to put aside her fear of not being able to speak properly.
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Who is Bholi explain the drastic change in her life?

Bholi Extra Questions and Answers Long Answer Type – Question 1. “Put the fear out of your heart and you will be able to speak like anyone else.” These words of encouragement from the teacher highlight that change of social attitude and encouragement can help a child like Bholi to become confident and face the world bravely.

With reference, to the story ‘Bholi’ write how the social attitude towards Bholi made her an introvert. What should be done to help such children to face the world bravely? Answer: Bholi was neglected by her parents on account of her looks and lack of intelligence. She used to stammer so the other children made fun of her and mimicked her.

As a result she talked very little. It was a daunting task for the teacher to encourage Bholi. The teacher talked to her affectionately and friendly. She assured her if she put the fear out of her heart and she would be able to speak like anyone else. Through the efforts of years Bholi became a transferred personality.

1. She refused to marry a greedy man who was trying to exploit her father due to her looks.
2. Such children should be constantly encouraged by the parents, teachers and even by the other relations.
3. They must be taught to fight back their handicaps rather to accept it as facts.
4. Question 2.
5. What social attitudes are presented in the story, ‘Bholi’? How does Bholi’s teacher help her overcome these barriers? OR God created this world but teachers create human beings.

How does Bholi’s teacher succeed in changing the course of her life? Answer: Bholi was neglected by her parents on account of her looks and lack of intelligence. She was sent to school as her mother thought her to be a burden and let the teachers at school worry about her.

• Ironically, the teachers transformed her life completely.
• God created this world but teachers create human beings.
• Bholi did not know what exactly a school was and what happened there, in the class when her teacher asked her name, she stammered and began to cry.
• She kept her head down throughout the class.

The teacher was very encouraging and friendly to her and this made her gain confidence to speak. She started seeing a ray of hope for a new life. After years of gaining education and with the help of her teacher, Bholi turned into a confident girl. She no longer stammered and could speak properly.

• She even had the courage to refuse marrying the lame old man because he was greedy and asked money from her father to marry her.
• Question 3.
• Don’t you worry, Pitajil In your old age I will serve you and mother”.
• Through this statement the narrator wants to highlight the moral values Bholi imbibed with.

Based on the reading of the lesson, what made Bholi aware of her rights and how did she use them? Answer: Bholi became an introvert child who lacked confidence. She was neglected and even made fun of due to her appearance and lack of intelligence. Years of education made her bold and confident.

She got an aim in her life. When she refused to marry greedy Bishamber, her father became worried. She assured her father not to worry and promised that she would take care of him and her mother in their old age. She told that she would teach in the school where she learnt so much. During her education Bholi’s teacher made her aware of her rights as well as duties.

She faced the challenge of rejecting greedy Bishamber with determination and confidence. Thus she protected her self-respect and integrity. Question 4. Education is always a great asset in the life of a woman. How did Bholi, an educated girl free the challenge posed by Bishamber’s greed? OR School education turned Bholi from a dumb cow into a bold girl.

• How did she save her father from a huge expense and become his support in his old age? Answer: Ironically, Bholi was sent to school as her mother believed she was a burden and let the teachers at the school worry for her.
• The teacher showed affection and encouraged her to shed her fear.
• She was assured by her teacher that she would speak like others one day.

Years of hard work transformed Bholi into a bold and confident young woman. Bishamber refused to marry Bholi due to her appearance and demanded five thousand rupees. Bholi saw how her father was humiliated for no reason. She refused to marry a greedy, mean and contemptible coward.

1. She assured her father that she would serve him and her mother in their old age.
2. She had a mission in her life; she would spread the light of education in her village.
3. Question 5.
4. Write a character sketch of Sulekha.
5. OR On the basis of your understanding of the story, sketch the character of Bholi.
6. OR Write a character sketch of Bholi.

“Bholi’s whole personality underwent a complete transformation towards the end of the story”. Explain. Answer: Bholi’s real name was Sulekha but she was called Bholi, the simpleton as she was a backward child. She started speaking only when she turned five but she stammered when she spoke and as a result she was always mimicked or made fun of by the other children.

Therefore, Bholi talked very little. Bholi did not know what exactly a school was and what happened there, in the class when her teacher asked her name, she stammered and began to cry. She kept her head down throughout the class. The teacher was very encouraging and friendly to her and this made her gain confidence to speak.

She started seeing a ray of hope for a new life. After years of gaining education and with the help of her teacher, Bholi turned into a confident girl. She no longer stammered and could speak properly. She even had the courage to refuse marrying the lame old man because he was greedy and asked money from her father to marry her.

On seeing her father worried about her marriage, she said that he need not worry as she would teach in the same school where she learnt so much and would take care of him and her mother in their old age. Question 6. “Dowry is a negation of the girl’s dignity”. Explain this statement in the light of the story of ‘Bholi’.

Answer: Initially Bishamber did not demand dowry to get married to Bholi. He was a widower, having children and of the age of Ramlal. But during the marriage ceremony he happened to see the face of Bholi. He bargains if he was given five thousand rupees he will marry the girl.

Bholi’s father Ramlal placed his turban at his feet but he refused. A girl is considered a liability in her own natal home due to prevalence of the custom of dowry practice. Some parents are unwilling to give higher education to their daughter as they have to search for ‘ highly educated boy for marriages and a better educated boy will demand more dowry which creates unnecessary problefn, for parents.

Besides, the boy who receives huge amount of dowry may think of himself as more dignified as having a higher status, greater prestige and more respectful than the girl. Subsequently the girl develops inferiority complex. Fortunately, Bholi refuses to marry greedy Bishamber and decides to serve her parents instead in their old age.

‘ Question 7. How did the teacher encourage Bholi on her first day in school? OR On the basis of your understanding of the story, describe the role played by the teacher in the life of Bholi. OR What values did the teacher display in transforming Bholi into a confident girl? Answer: Bholi was neglected by her parents on account of her looks and lack of intelligence.

She was sent to school as her mother thought her to be a burden and let the teacher at school worry about her. The teacher in the school asked her to tell her name. She stammered -and began to cry. The teacher showed her affection and encouraged her in a friendly manner to put aside her fear.

Bholi somehow told her name. The teacher assured her that she would be able £o speak like everyone else one day. Bholi was surprised. The teacher asked her to come to school regularly. Love and encouragement shown by the teacher brought out drastic changes in Bholi’s personality. Within a few years she became so confident that she refused to marry a greedy man.

Question 8. ‘Love and encouragement make the impossible possible. Explain this statement on the basis of the story ‘Bholi’. Answer: Bholi was sent to school as her mother thought her to be a burden. She was neglected by her parents as she was not beautiful and lacked intelligence.

The teacher in the school asked her to tell her name. She stammered and began to cry. The teacher showed her affection and encouraged her in a friendly manner to put aside her fear. Bholi somehow told her name. Bholi was surprised. The teacher asked her to come to school regularly. Love and encouragement shown by the teacher brought out drastic changes in Bholi’s personality.

Within a few years she became so confident that she refused to marry a greedy man. Question 9. No one is always foolish. Time and circumstances give us intelligence and change out. personality. Explain with reference to ‘Bholi’. Answer: Yes, it is quite right that no one is always foolish.

Time decides everything. Our maturity and knowledge depend on our experience. Experience is always based on circumstances. Time and experiences teach us different things and make life perfect. With out experience or practical knowledge all bookish knowledge is in vain. It is never used. There are many such examples in our real life that prove this statement correct.

Here I would like to share my own experience about a very simple doctor. He started his practice very slow in a poor area. Many famous doctors made fun of him. Time passed and gradually he became famous in the neighbouring areas. His treatment was not so costly.

Once a very serious accident occurred near his hospital and the people brought the injured person to a costly hospital. But his condition was very serious and the doctor refused to admit him. Then that doctor took the case and tried his best to save him. At last he succeeded. All were surprised to see and listen to it.

Question 10. Why did Bholi at first agree to an unequal match? Why did she later reject the marriage? What does this tell us about her? Answer: This is a normal practice in India that girls seldom oppose their parent’s choice for a groom. The upbringing of daughters does a kind of mental conditioning which doesn’t give them enough courage to rebel against their parent’s wish.

1. Bholi more or less followed the tradition of being an ideal Indian girl,and agreed to an unequal match because her mother felt she was lucky to get a well-to-do groom who owned a big shop, had a house of his own and had several thousands in the bank.
2. Moreover, he was not asking for any dowry.
3. Bholi also heard her mother saying that he did not know about her pox-marks and her lack of sense.

If the proposal was not accepted, she might remain unmarried all her life. Later on when the groom bared his greed to everyone, it repulsed Bholi and she opposed the marriage. Unlike her sisters, Bholi is educated and has a mind of her own. She is as independent as any other modern girl of a big city.

1. On seeing her father pleading and getting humiliated, she decided not to marry him.
2. This tells us that she loves and respects her parents, has self respect and knows what is right or wrong and is able to take a wise decision.
3. Question 11.
4. Bholi’s real name is Sulekha.
5. We are told this right at the beginning.

But only in the last but one paragraph of the story is Bholi called Sulekha again. Why do you think she is called Sulekha at that point in the story? Answer: The word Bholi means a simpleton. Throughout the story she had been a simpleton, hardly expressing her opinion in any matter.

The word Sulekha means the person with beautiful sense of letters. In this story this word has a larger meaning. It depicts being a literate, intelligent and mature individual. After her education Bholi has really changed to Sulekha and her assertion during marriage is her announcement to the world that she is no more a Bholi but Sulekha.

Question 12. Bholi’s teacher helped her overcome social harries by encouraging and motivating her. How do you think you can contribute towards changing the social attitudes illustrated in this story? Answer: Bholi’s teacher helped her overcome social barriers by motivating and encouraging her.

1. The same act can be performed by the young generation too.
2. If, we the new generation, identify the social evils, like corruption, dowry, child marriage, unemployment, poverty, gender discrimination and decide to fight against them; it will revolutionise the system.
3. Thus, we can remove all the above-mentioned evils from the society.

Question 13. Should girls be aware of their rights, and assert them? Should girls and boys have the same rights, duties and privileges? What are some of the ways in which society treats them differently? When we speak of ‘human rights’, do we differentiate between girls’ and boys’ rights? Answer: Yes, girls should be aware of their rights and assert them.

The girls and boys should have the same rights. There should not be any gender discrimination. But, even today girls are deprived of education, nourishment in food in comparison to boys. No doubt that in rural India there is still a gender bias but the new generation is aware of it. There should be no differentiation in terms of humans rights between girls’ rights and boys’ rights.

: Bholi Extra Questions and Answers Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet
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How did education help Bholi change her outlook?

She encouraged her every time and was affectionate towards her. The teacher transformed her into a confident person who could read write and speak clearly. This gave her the required confidence. Moreover teacher’s appreciation and encouragement helped her overcome her low morale.
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What lesson does the story Bholi teach us?

Answer. Answer: Bholi lesson teaches us that none should be discriminated on the basis of their appearance and their disabilities. Rather they should be encouraged and motivated to overcome their weaknesses.
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What was the life changing moment for sulekha?

Towards the end Bholi was called by her real name, Sulekha as she had grown wiser and more self confident due to her education and her teacher’s training. She proved that education was like a philosopher’s stone which could turn a base metal into gold.
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What changed the attitude of Bholi towards life?

Bholi challenged the dowry seeker. She used to be a meek girl. What changed her attitude towards life? Text Solution Solution : Bholi used to be a meek girl. She had pockmarks on her body. Her brain got damaged when she was just ten months. She was also a slow learner.

1. She couldn.t.
2. T speak till she was five.
3. Later on, she started stammering while speaking.
4. She was sent to school just for formality.
5. Her parents were not serious about her studies.
6. But her teacher changed her life.
7. She encouraged her to speak properly and to learn more and more in school.
8. Then she knew what is good or what is bad.

Now she could differentiate between right and wrong. Education totally changed her personality. Even then she behaved like an obedient girl and agreed to marry Bishamber – fifty years old person. But she couldn.t stand his demand of dowry. She refused to fulfill Bishamber.s demand of 5000 rupees and denied to marry him.
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How does Bholi become so confident what did she do explain the role of education in shaping the life of a child with respect to the lesson?

She studies and grows into a confident young woman. She knows her rights and she asserts them as well. She refuses to marry a man who demands dowry. Thus, being educated changes the life of Bholi.
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How did Bholi overcome all the obstacles in the life?

NCERT Solutions of Chapter 9 Bholi Important Subjective Questions – Q.1. Although Bholi had many apprehensions about school, what made her feel that it was a better place than home? Important Points- Bholi did not know what school was. Had remained at home only.

• When her father asked her to accompany him to school, she was reminded of the cow Lakshmi who had been sent away once it had been sold.
• Bholi got scared.
• Bholi was not looked after at home.
• No clean clothes, no bath.
• Her hair wasn’t taken care of (wash, oil, comb).
• Now she was made to wear clean clothes, she was bathed, her hair was oiled and combed.

So she thought that school was a better place than home.Q.2. What was Bholi’s teacher’s role in changing the course of her life? Important Points- Bholi was mentally weak due to a childhood injury. She could speak only at the age of five. She looked ugly due to the pockmarks all over her body.

Her family was insensitive towards her. Her mother neglected and discriminated against her. All this developed an inferiority complex. Her teacher was understanding, loving and caring. Encouraged her to study and empowered her. Her efforts changed Bholi. She had been considered a dumb cow but later she became an educated courageous girl.

She took her stand against the social evil of dowry. Bholi’s ability to shun fear was because of her teacher.Q.3. Bholi is not referred by her name ‘Sulekha’ throughout the story but towards the end of it. Why? OR How was Bholi like a dumb cow? How did she become a confident person? Important Points- The character of Bholi has been introduced as an unwanted girl child who was considered a burden since birth.

• A fall off the cot at ten months damaged her brain, an attack of small pox at two years of age got black pockmarks all over her skin.
• She started speaking only at the age of five and stammered when children made fun of her and mimicked her.
• The Tehsildars advice to her father and the lack of courage to go against him forced her parents to send her to school.

There her teacher played a crucial role in changing Bholi’s life and thus, Sulekha – a confident, educated girl was born. Sulekha refused to marry a dowry seeking man because of the teacher who made her confident.Q.4. What kind of parents did Bholi have? Do you think they loved her? Why? Important Points- Bholi’s father was loving, caring and attentive towards her.

He gave equal attention to all his children. He was reluctant to send her to school out of concern because she was weak and a simpleton. He was worried that how would he find a good match because she lacked both – looks and intelligence. Bholi’s mother was overburdened by her birth because they already had many daughters.

She preferred her good looking children over Bholi. She did not love or like her. She did not look after Bholi. She did not object her going to school and was willing to marry her to anyone. She never made an effort to go close to Bholi and understand her.Q.5.

Bholi was a physically challenged girl. How did she get the courage and confidence to challenge the evil dowry system? Important Points- Bholi was physically and mentally challenged. When she got a chance to educate herself, her teacher helped her overcome the social barriers by motivating her to study.

Thus, Bholi took a stand against the dowry system. The parents were marrying her to a grocer of her father’s age. He demanded dowry on seeing the pockmarks on her face. Bholi was capable of supporting herself and so, she snatched the garland and threw it in the fire.

• She decided to remain unmarried, look after her parents for whole life and teach in the same school where she had studied.Q.6.
• Do you think Bholi’s act of refusal to marry Bishamber was a shameful act and it brought disrespect to the family? Important Points- No Life of dignity and self respect is her right.

She did not want her father to suffer humiliation. Education empowered her. She showed the mirror to Bishamber and the society. Bishamber was shameless. Lame, old, marrying a girl his daughter’s age. He was misusing Ramlal’s helplessness, insulting and humiliating him.
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What is the conclusion of Bholi?

People were startled to see her speaking without stammering. The groom returned back. Bholi told her father that she would serve him and mother in their old age. Furthermore, she will teach in the same school from where she learnt so many good things.
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How is Bholi a masterpiece of her teacher?

Who is referred to as ‘the artist’ in ‘Bholi’ ? Why? Bholi’s school teacher is the artist in the story, who with her kindness, caring support and encouragement raises Bholi’s self-esteem and fills her with confidence. Bholi is her teacher’s masterpiece because she transformed her entirely and educated her in true sense of terms. Switch Flag Bookmark Does she find her teacher different from the people at home? Yes, she finds her teacher different from the people at home. Her teacher acts very kind to her. She speaks to her so softly that it touches her heart. Nobody ever talked to her in that tone before.

• She encourages her to speak and pats her affectionately.
• She assures her that if she puts the fear out of her heart she will be able to speak like everyone else.
• Why is Bholi’s father worried about her? Bholi is the fourth daughter of her father, Numberdar Lal.
• Bholi is a backward child.
• She is a simpleton and she can’t speak properly.

Moreover, she has pockmarks all over the body. Her father is worried about her as does not know how he would find a suitable groom for her. Does Bholi enjoy her first day at school? Yes, Bholi enjoys her first day at school as she was glad to find so many girls almost of her own age present there.

She hoped that one of these girls might become her friend. Why do Bholi’s parents accept Bishamber’s marriage proposal? Bholi’s parents accept Bishamber’s marriage proposal because they think if they don’t accept it, she would not be married for the rest of her life. Moreover, they don’t have to pay him dowry.

For what unusual reasons is Bholi sent to school? The Tehsildar sahib had advised Ramlal that being a representative of the government he must send his daughters to school. Ramlal’s wife denies to send any of her girls to school as she thinks no one would marry them.
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What can we learn from Bholi Class 10?

Bholi is a character of Bholi chapter written by Khwaja Ahmed Abbas. She proved that no one is perfect everyone should love the imperfection pertaining to the same. Beauty should become in the heart. Inner beauty will last forever, while outer beauty stays for some time only.
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What are the changes in Bholi?

In Bholi’s life, love and encouragement made the impossible possible. Her story showed how, after the teacher handed over the key of education to her, she was able to unlock the door that confined her to the stereotypes and expectations yet lack of appreciation or recognition that the society has imposed on women.
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What changed the attitude of Bholi towards life?

Bholi challenged the dowry seeker. She used to be a meek girl. What changed her attitude towards life? Text Solution Solution : Bholi used to be a meek girl. She had pockmarks on her body. Her brain got damaged when she was just ten months. She was also a slow learner.

1. She couldn.t.
2. T speak till she was five.
3. Later on, she started stammering while speaking.
4. She was sent to school just for formality.
5. Her parents were not serious about her studies.
6. But her teacher changed her life.
7. She encouraged her to speak properly and to learn more and more in school.
8. Then she knew what is good or what is bad.

Now she could differentiate between right and wrong. Education totally changed her personality. Even then she behaved like an obedient girl and agreed to marry Bishamber – fifty years old person. But she couldn.t stand his demand of dowry. She refused to fulfill Bishamber.s demand of 5000 rupees and denied to marry him.
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Who helped Bholi to become a confident girl?

Bholi’s teacher was very different from all the other people she had met. Even her parents did not expect much to come of her. But her teacher encouraged her and gave her hope.
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Who is the main character in Bholi?

Bholi Class 10 Explanation – Bholi Explanation – HER name was Sulekha, but since her childhood, everyone had been calling her Bholi, the simpleton. She was the fourth daughter of Numberdar Ramlal. When she was ten months old, she had fallen off the cot on her head and perhaps it had damaged some part of her brain.

That was why she remained a backward child and came to be known as Bholi, the simpleton. Word meanings Cot: bed Backward: slow learner The narrator describes a girl named Sulekha. She was the fourth daughter of the Numberdar (landlord) Ramlal. Sulekha was called Bholi since her childhood. She was called so for being a simpleton and a slow learner.

All this happened because she had fallen on her head from a narrow bed when she was only ten months old. This had led to damage of some part of her brain making her a slow learner. At birth, the child was very fair and pretty. But when she was two years old, she had an attack of small-pox. Only the eyes were saved, but the entire body was permanently disfigured by deep black pockmarks. Little Sulekha could not speak till she was five, and when at last she learnt to speak, she stammered.

The other children often made fun of her and mimicked her. As a result, she talked very little. Word meanings Pockmarks: spots on the skin Stammered: fumbled for words Mimicked: copy, imitate When she was born, she was very fair and beautiful. But when the child was two years old, she caught smallpox which left spots on her whole body.

Only her eyes were saved from it. She started speaking when she turned five and would often fumble. Other children made fun of her and copied her. This made her feel so bad that she stopped speaking. Ramlal had seven children — three sons and four daughters, and the youngest of them was Bholi.

It was a prosperous farmer’s household and there was plenty to eat and drink. All the children except Bholi were healthy and strong. The sons had been sent to the city to study in schools and later in colleges. Of the daughters, Radha, the eldest, had already been married. The second daughter Mangla’s marriage had also been settled, and when that was done, Ramlal would think of the third, Champa.

They were good-looking, healthy girls, and it was not difficult to find bridegrooms for them. But Ramlal was worried about Bholi. She had neither good looks nor intelligence. Word meanings Prosperous: doing well, rich Plenty: a lot of Ramlal had seven children- three sons and four daughters.

1. Bholi was his youngest child.
2. Ramlal was a rich farmer.
3. He provided the family with good food.
4. All the children were healthy and strong except Bholi.
5. His sons were sent to the city to study at the schools and colleges.
6. Radha was his eldest daughter, who was married.
7. Mangla’s marriage had been fixed and now it was Champa, the third daughter’s turn.

As all of them were healthy and beautiful girls, it was not tough to marry them off. The main concern for Ramlal was Bholi because neither was she beautiful or intelligent. It was not an easy thing to find a bridegroom for her. Bholi was seven years old when Mangla was married.

The same year a primary school for girls was opened in their village. The Tehsildar sahib came to perform its opening ceremony. He said to Ramlal, “As a revenue official you are the representative of the government in the village and so you must set an example to the villagers. You must send your daughters to school.” Word meanings Tehsildar: District collector Representative: spokesperson Bholi was seven years old when her elder sister Mangla got married.

That year a primary school for girls was opened in the village. The Tehsildar (District Collector) visited to inagurate it. He asked Ramlal to send his daughters to school. He encouraged him to do so because as he was the revenue official, his act of sending his daughters to school would serve as an example for the villagers.

• This would lead to the education of girls in the village.
• That night when Ramlal consulted his wife, she cried, “Are you crazy? If girls go to school, who will marry them?” But Ramlal had not the courage to disobey the Tehsildar.
• At last his wife said, “I will tell you what to do.
• Send Bholi to school.

As it is, there is little chance of her getting married, with her ugly face and lack of sense. Let the teachers at school worry about her.” Word meanings Consulted: discussed After hearing the tehsildar, Ramlal discussed the matter with his wife. She at once rejected it by saying that it would become difficult for them to marry their educated daughters.

Ramlal was now double minded as he didn’t want to disobey the tehsildar and on the other hand, his wife was also right. Finally, his wife suggested to send Bholi to school because anyways, there were negligible chances for her to get married. The next day Ramlal caught Bholi by the hand and said, “Come with me.

I will take you to school.” Bholi was frightened. She did not know what a school was like. She remembered how a few days ago their old cow, Lakshmi, had been turned out of the house and sold. “N-n-n-n NO, no-no-no,” she shouted in terror and pulled her hand away from her father’s grip.

1. The next morning, Ramlal took Bholi to school.
2. Bholi was afraid of going to school as she was not aware of what school was.
3. Bholi was reminded that a few days ago, their cow, Lakshmi had been sent out of home and her father got money in return for it.
4. She thought that she too would be sold like Lakshmi and so, pulled her hand away from her father’s hand.

“What’s the matter with you, you fool?” shouted Ramlal. “I am only taking you to school.” Then he told his wife, “Let her wear some decent clothes today, or else what will the teachers and the other schoolgirls think of us when they see her?” New clothes had never been made for Bholi.

The old dresses of her sisters were passed on to her. No one cared to mend or wash her clothes. But today she was lucky to receive a clean dress which had shrunk after many washings and no longer fitted Champa. She was even bathed and oil was rubbed into her dry and matted hair. Only then did she begin to believe that she was being taken to a place better than her home! Word meanings Shrunk: reduced Matted: untidy Bholi’s father got irritated with her behavior and shouted that he was taking her to school.

He then told his wife to dress her up because he didn’t want others to think ill of them. So, it was for the first time that Bholi got clean clothes to wear, although it was her elder sister Champa’s worn-out dress. She was bathed and her messy hair was washed and oiled. When they reached the school, the children were already in their classrooms. Ramlal handed over his daughter to the headmistress. Left alone, the poor girl looked about her with fear-laden eyes. There were several rooms, and in each room girls like her squatted on mats, reading from books or writing on slates.

The headmistress asked Bholi to sit down in a corner in one of the classrooms. Word meanings Fear-laden: full of fear Squatted: to sit with one’s knees bent Upon reaching school, they found that children were already in their classrooms. Ramlal handed Bholi to the headmistress and left the place. Bholi’s eyes were full of fear because it was the first time that she had gone out of home.

There were a number of classrooms with many students in each one. They were sitting on the mats and were reading or writing. Bholi was taken to a classroom and was ordered to sit there by the headmistress. Bholi did not know what exactly a school was like and what happened there, but she was glad to find so many girls almost of her own age present there.

1. She hoped that one of these girls might become her friend.
2. Bholi was not aware of anything about school.
3. What made her happy was that there were so many girls of her age.
4. She thought that she may find a friend among these girls.
5. The lady teacher who was in the class was saying something to the girls but Bholi could understand nothing.

She looked at the pictures on the wall. The colours fascinated her — the horse was brown just like the horse on which the Tehsildar had come to visit their village; the goat was black like the goat of their neighbour; the parrot was green like the parrots she had seen in the mango orchard; and the cow was just like their Lakshmi.

1. And suddenly Bholi noticed that the teacher was standing by her side, smiling at her.
2. What’s your name, little one?” Word meanings Fascinated: attracted Orchard: land planted with fruit trees In the class, the lady teacher was teaching something but Bholi could not understand it.
3. She was just looking at the various pictures on the wall which were beautiful.

Bholi was attracted towards them. There was a picture of a brown horse that resembled the horse on which the tehsildar had visited their village. There was also a picture of a green parrot which looked like the same parrots that she had seen in the mango orchard (land planted with mango fruit trees).

• There was also an image of a cow that resembled their own cow Lakshmi.
• While she was busy looking at the pictures, she realized that the teacher was standing near her.
• She asked Bholi her name.
• Bh-Bho-Bho-.” She could stammer no further than that.
• Then she began to cry and tears flowed from her eyes in a helpless flood.

She kept her head down as she sat in her corner, not daring to look up at the girls who, she knew, were still laughing at her. When the school bell rang, all the girls scurried out of the classroom, but Bholi dared not leave her corner. Her head still lowered, she kept on sobbing.

• Bholi.” The teacher’s voice was so soft and soothing! In all her life she had never been called like that.
• It touched her heart.
• Word meanings Stammer: fumble for words Sobbing: noisy crying Bholi tried hard but stammered and could only say Bho- Bho.
• After this she began to cry and did not dare to look up as she was sure that all the other girls would be laughing at her.

When school was over, the teacher came to Bholi and called her by her name. Bholi was still crying with her head down. The teacher’s voice was very soft and Bholi had never been addressed with such affection before. She felt so good that it touched her heart.

• Get up,” said the teacher.
• It was not a command, but just a friendly suggestion.
• Bholi got up.
• Now tell me your name.” Sweat broke out over her whole body.
• Would her stammering tongue again disgrace her? For the sake of this kind woman, however, she decided to make an effort.
• She had such a soothing voice; she would not laugh at her.

“Bh-Bh-Bho-Bho-,” she began to stammer. “Well done, well done,” the teacher encouraged her. “Come on, now — the full name?” “Bh-Bh-Bho-Bholi.” At last she was able to say it and felt relieved as if it was a great achievement. “Well done.” The teacher patted her affectionately and said, “Put the fear out of your heart and you will be able to speak like everyone else.” Bholi looked up as if to ask, ‘Really?’ Word meanings Soothing: reduce pain or discomfort Disgrace: dishonor, shame The teacher tried to make her comfortable by her friendly manner.

1. She asked her name again.
2. Though Bholi was hesitant and nervous, she tried and was able to speak her full name.
3. The teacher praised her for her attempt and said that if she shunned fear, she would be able to speak clearly.
4. Bholi was surprised to hear that she could speak clearly.
5. Yes, yes, it will be very easy.

You just come to school everyday. Will you come?” Bholi nodded. “No, say it aloud.” “Ye-Ye-Yes.” And Bholi herself was astonished that she had been able to say it. “Didn’t I tell you? Now take this book.” The book was full of nice pictures and the pictures were in color — dog, cat, goat, horse, parrot, tiger and a cow just like Lakshmi.

And with every picture was a word in big black letters. Word meanings Nodded: bow your head in a direction to give your approval Astonished: impressed, greatly surprised The teacher at once understood her curiosity and said that what she had said was true and that if she came to school every day, she would be able to speak without any problem.

Then she enquired if Bholi would come to school the next day. Bholi gave her approval by moving her head in up and down direction. The teacher prompted her to speak it loudly. This encouraged Bholi and she spoke ‘yes’ clearly. She was surprised at her ability to speak clearly.

1. The teacher again praised her and gave her a book full of pictures and of dog, cat, goat, etc with an alphabet written in big size along with every picture.
2. In one month you will be able to read this book.
3. Then I will give you a bigger book, then a still bigger one.
4. In time you will be more learned than anyone else in the village.

Then no one will ever be able to laugh at you. People will listen to you with respect and you will be able to speak without the slightest stammer. Understand? Now go home, and come back early tomorrow morning.” The teacher said that when Bholi would complete that book, she would be given a bigger book and after that a still bigger book.

• She also told her that one day she would become an educated person in the village and people would respect her because of her knowledge and wisdom.
• Not only this, she would be able to speak clearly.
• With this, she asked her to come to school early the next morning.
• Bholi felt as if suddenly all the bells in the village temple were ringing and the trees in front of the school-house had blossomed into big red flowers.

Her heart was throbbing with a new hope and a new life. Thus the years passed. The village became a small town. The little primary school became a high school. There were now a cinema under a tin shed and a cotton ginning mill. The mail train began to stop at their railway station.

• Bholi MCQ Questions Word meanings Blossomed: grow, bloom Throbbed: beat, pulse Ginning: the process of treating (ginning) the cotton Bholi was very happy.
• Her heart felt a rare type of happiness and she imagined that she could hear the bells at the temple ringing and imagined that the trees outside the school had red coloured flowers on them.

She felt a sudden beat in her heart that made her full of hope and happiness. Years passed and the village grew into a small town, her primary school was now a high school. There was a cinema under a tin shed and a cotton ginning mill opened in her town.

1. Even the mail train started to halt at the village railway station.
2. One night, after dinner, Ramlal said to his wife, “Then, shall I accept Bishamber’s proposal?” “Yes, certainly,” his wife said.
3. Bholi will be lucky to get such a well-to-do bridegroom.
4. A big shop, a house of his own and I hear several thousand in the bank.

Moreover, he is not asking for any dowry.” “That’s right, but he is not so young, you know — almost the same age as I am — and he also limps. Moreover, the children from his first wife are quite grown up.” Word meanings Proposal: offer Certainly: definitely One night, Ramlal was discussing with his wife that he had got a marriage offer for Bholi.

He asked his wife whether to accept Bhishamber’s proposal or not. To this, his wife replied that they should definitely accept the proposal because it was suitable for Bholi. She supported her view by saying that Bhishamber had a big shop, own house and cash deposit in the bank. Also, he was not asking for dowry.

Ramlal was a bit unsure because Bishamber was of his own age and was handicapped. He also had grown-up children from his first marriage. “So what does it matter?” his wife replied. “Forty-five or fifty — it is no great age for a man. We are lucky that he is from another village and does not know about her pock-marks and her lack of sense.

If we don’t accept this proposal, she may remain unmarried all her life.” “Yes, but I wonder what Bholi will say.” “What will that witless one say? She is like a dumb cow.” “May be you are right,” muttered Ramlal. In the other corner of the courtyard, Bholi lay awake on her cot, listening to her parents’ whispered conversation.

Word meanings Pock marks: marks, blemishes Witless: fool Muttered: murmur His wife said that there was no harm in it if there was a big age gap between Bholi and the groom. She said that they could not find any other match for Bholi. She also said that as he was from another village, he may not know about Bholi’s mental condition and her ugly face.

Ramlal said that he was worried that how Bholi would react to it but her mother replied that Bholi was like a dumb cow and would not say anything. Bholi was lying in her bed nearby and listening to her parents conversation. Bishamber Nath was a well-to-do grocer. He came with a big party of friends and relations with him for the wedding.

A brass-band playing a popular tune from an Indian film headed the procession, with the bridegroom riding a decorated horse. Ramlal was overjoyed to see such pomp and splendour. He had never dreamt that his fourth daughter would have such a grand wedding.

• Bholi’s elder sisters who had come for the occasion were envious of her luck.
• Important Videos Links Word meanings Grocer: a person who sells house hold goods and food items Procession: March, Parade Splendour: lavishness Envious: jealous The bridegroom, Bishamber Nath was a rich man.
• He had a grocery shop where he used to sell food items and household goods.

He had a good business. On the wedding day, he came with his friends and family. They were accompanied by a brass band which was playing a popular tunes from Hindi movies. The bridegroom was riding a decorated horse. Ramlal was very happy to see all this.

• He had never dreamt of such a grand wedding for his fourth daughter.
• Bholi’s elder sisters felt jealous of her good luck.
• When the auspicious moment came the priest said, “Bring the bride.” Bholi, clad in a red silken bridal dress, was led to the bride’s place near the sacred fire.
• Garland the bride,” one of his friends prompted Bishamber Nath.

The bridegroom lifted the garland of yellow marigolds. A woman slipped back the silken veil from the bride’s face. Bishamber took a quick glance. The garland remained poised in his hands. The bride slowly pulled down the veil over her face. “Have you seen her?” said Bishamber to the friend next to him.

“She has pock-marks on her face.” “So what? You are not young either.” “Maybe. But if I am to marry her, her father must give me five thousand rupees.” Word meanings Auspicious: good, favorable Clad: dressed Garland: wreath of flowers and leaves Veil: cover Poised: calm On the wedding day, Bholi was brought for the wedding rituals.

She was dressed in a red silk sari. When she reached, one of Bishamber’s friends asked him to garland the bride. As he was about to put the garland around her neck, a woman removed the veil that covered her face. He saw the blemishes on her face and at once objected to the marks on the bride’s face.

His friend answered that he should ignore this as he himself was not young to marry a young girl like her. Bishamber told Ramlal that he wanted five thousand rupees in return for marrying an ugly woman like Bholi. Ramlal went and placed his turban — his honour — at Bishamber’s feet. “Do not humiliate me so.

Take two thousand rupees.” “No. Five thousand or we go back. Keep your daughter.” “Be a little considerate, please. If you go back, I can never show my face in the village.” “Then out with five thousand.” Tears streaming down his face, Ramlal went in, opened the safe and counted out the notes.

1. He placed the bundle at the bridegroom’s feet.
2. On Bhishamber’s greedy face appeared a triumphant smile.
3. He had gambled and won.
4. Give me the garland,” he announced.
5. Word meanings Humiliate: insult Considerate: thoughtful Streaming: flowing Triumphant: winning Gambled: bet On hearing the bridegroom’s demand, Ramlal got so upset that he went to him and kept his turban at his feet.

He requested him to be considerate and requested him to accept two thousand rupees instead of five thousand as dowry. Bishamber was firm and said that he could keep his daughter at home then. Ramlal requested him not to do all this as it would ruin his pride in front of the whole village. Once again the veil was slipped back from the bride’s face, but this time her eyes were not downcast. She was looking up, looking straight at her prospective husband, and in her eyes there was neither anger nor hate, only cold contempt. Bishamber raised the garland to place it round the bride’s neck; but before he could do so, Bholi’s hand struck out like a streak of lightning and the garland was flung into the fire.

She got up and threw away the veil. Word meanings Downcast: low, cast down Prospective: would be Contempt: disrespect, disregard Struck: hit, bang Flung: aim, launch Bholi removed the cover off her face and stared at Bishamber. Her eyes were full of disrespect for him. There was no anger or hatred in her eyes.

As Bishamber was about to garland her, she struck her hand at the garland as quick as a streak of lightning. The garland flew and fell into the sacred fire. She threw away her veil too. “Pitaji!” said Bholi in a clear loud voice; and her father, mother, sisters, brothers; relations and neighbours were startled to hear her speak without even the slightest stammer.

Pitaji! Take back your money. I am not going to marry this man.” Ramlal was thunderstruck. The guests began to whisper, “So shameless! So ugly and so shameless!” “Bholi, are you crazy?” shouted Ramlal. “You want to disgrace your family? Have some regard for our izzat!” “For the sake of your izzat,” said Bholi, “I was willing to marry this lame old man.

But I will not have such a mean, greedy and contemptible coward as my husband. I won’t, I won’t, I won’t.” Word meanings Startled: sudden shock Thunderstruck: shocked Contemptible: offensive Bholi addressed her father by saying “Pitaji”. Her voice was clear and she spoke without stammering.

Her family was shocked to see this. She continued and said that her father should take back his money as she would not marry this man. Ramlal was shocked to hear all that. Even the relatives started whispering that the girl was shameless as she was refusing to the marriage. Ramlal grew angry and shouted at Bholi that she had gone mad because such an act of her could bring disgrace to their family.

Bholi replied that it was for the sake of her family’s honour that she had consented to marry the lame old man but she was not ready to marry a greedy coward. “What a shameless girl! We all thought she was a harmless dumb cow.” Bholi turned violently on the old woman, “Yes, Aunty, you are right.

• You all thought I was a dumb–driven cow.
• That’s why you wanted to hand me over to this heartless creature.
• But now the dumb cow, the stammering fool, is speaking.
• Do you want to hear more?” Bishamber Nath, the grocer, started to go back with his party.
• The confused bandsmen thought this was the end of the ceremony and struck up a closing song.

Word meanings Violently: strong or extreme manner Dumb: dull Heartless: unkind An old woman commented that Bholi was a shameless girl though they all thought that she was a dull and innocent girl. Bholi looked at her with extreme anger and said that everyone thought that she was a fool and that is why they wanted to marry her off to an unkind man.

They called her shameless because she could take a stand for herself. Bishamber Nath and his friends and family started to return. The bandsmen were not sure of what was happening. They thought that the marriage ceremony had completed and so, started playing the music related to the ending of a wedding ceremony.

Ramlal stood rooted to the ground, his head bowed low with the weight of grief and shame. The flames of the sacred fire slowly died down. Everyone was gone. Ramlal turned to Bholi and said, “But what about you, no one will ever marry you now. What shall we do with you?” And Sulekha said in a voice that was calm and steady, “Don’t you worry, Pitaji! In your old age I will serve you and Mother and I will teach in the same school where I learnt so much.

1. Isn’t that right, Ma’am?” The teacher had all along stood in a corner, watching the drama.
2. Yes, Bholi, of course,” she replied.
3. And in her smiling eyes was the light of a deep satisfaction that an artist feels when contemplating the completion of her masterpiece.
4. Word meanings Rooted: fixed Grief: sorrow Steady: firm Contemplating: view, observe Ramlal was in deep sorrow, he was feeling ashamed.

The flames of the sacred fire died after sometime and the guests too went away. He then asked Bholi that what would be her future now and who would marry her. Bholi replied that she would take care of both her parents and would teach in the same school that had made her learn so much.
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