Bholi
Class 10 English · Footprints Without Feet · Chapter 8
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The story in short
Written by K.A. Abbas, this is the moving story of a girl named Bholi (meaning “simpleton”) who overcomes neglect and lack of confidence through education. The fourth daughter of Numberdar Ramlal, Bholi is considered backward and ugly because an attack of smallpox left her face marked and a childhood fall affected her speech, making her stammer. Neglected at home and mocked, she has no confidence. When a primary school opens in the village, her father reluctantly sends her, mainly because no one wishes to marry her. At school, a kind and encouraging teacher transforms Bholi, helping her gain knowledge and self-respect. Years later, a match is arranged with a wealthy older widower, Bishamber, but at the wedding he demands a large dowry. The educated, confident Bholi boldly refuses to marry such a greedy man, shocking everyone, and chooses instead to serve her parents and teach in the village school. The story shows how education empowers a neglected girl to find her voice and dignity.
The story in 6 beats
- 1Bholi grows up neglected because smallpox marks her face and a fall makes her stammer badly.
- 2When a village school opens, Ramlal sends Bholi there, thinking education may help her future.
- 3Bholi feels afraid at first, but her gentle teacher speaks kindly and gives her hope.
- 4Over the years, education changes Bholi into a confident and thoughtful young woman.
- 5At her wedding, Bishamber demands dowry after seeing her marked face, and the family feels helpless.
- 6Bholi refuses the greedy groom, breaks the marriage, and decides to teach and serve her parents.
Empowerment through educationNeglect and self-confidenceEvils of dowryThe role of a good teacherCourage and dignity
Characters & key ideas
BholiA neglected girl transformed by education and confidence.
RamlalBholi’s father, who at first neglects her.
The teacherThe kind teacher who gives Bholi confidence and knowledge.
BishamberThe greedy older widower who demands dowry.
EducationThe force that empowers Bholi to assert herself.
DowryThe unjust demand Bholi courageously rejects.
Word meanings · शब्दार्थ
Numberdar
village revenue officer or headman
backward
slow in learning or development
pock-marks
small scars left by smallpox
stammer
speak with broken, repeated sounds
tehsildar
local government revenue officer
mumbled
spoke unclearly in a low voice
confident
sure of oneself
proposal
offer of marriage
widower
man whose wife has died
dowry
money or gifts given in marriage
Extra questions & answers (board-style)
Try one from this chapter
What does the name “Bholi” mean?