Class 10 English: Bholi – Notes, Summary, Themes, and Pillars (New NCERT Edition)
Introduction
“Bholi” is Chapter 8 in Footprints Without Feet
– the Supplementary Reader prescribed by the CBSE Class 10 English syllabus
(New NCERT 2025–26 edition). Written by K.A. Abbas, this story
reflects social evils, gender discrimination, and transformation through
education.
It is one of the most exam-focused chapters, as CBSE
often frames questions related to moral values, women empowerment, and the
dowry system.
Chapter Summary
Bholi’s real name was Sulekha. As a child, she was mentally
slow due to a fall from her cot and later disfigured by smallpox.
Her stammering made her the subject of ridicule. Neglected by her parents, she
grew up shy and fearful.
Her father, Ramlal, was persuaded by the Tehsildar
to send her to school. Initially hesitant, Bholi soon met a kind teacher
who gave her encouragement, confidence, and self-respect. Education slowly
transformed her into an independent, confident woman.
When her marriage was arranged with Bishamber Nath, a
greedy, middle-aged man demanding dowry, Bholi refused to marry him, showing
great courage. She decided to serve her parents and teach in the same school
that changed her life.
The transformation from a timid “Bholi” (simpleton) to a
strong “Sulekha” (enlightened one) is the central arc of the story.
Major Themes / The Three Pillars of the Story
This chapter stands firmly on three social pillars,
making it a moral and educational lesson for students.
1. Importance of Women’s Education
Bholi’s life changes because of her education. The
story powerfully highlights how schooling empowers girls to overcome
fear, discrimination, and social stigma.
Education gives Bholi:
- The
ability to speak confidently.
- A
sense of self-worth.
- The
courage to stand against injustice.
Quote from the text:
“In time you will be more learned than anyone else in the village... Then no
one will ever be able to laugh at you.”
The teacher’s role as a mentor shows that a teacher can
change the destiny of a child through compassion and encouragement.
CBSE Board Question (2024 Sample Paper):
How did education help Bholi overcome her fears and become confident?
Answer: Education opened Bholi’s mind, gave her self-respect, and
empowered her to speak against social evils.
2. Empowerment of the Weaker Sections
Bholi represents rural girls born into patriarchal,
male-dominated families. Society viewed her as a burden due to her
appearance and speech defect. Yet, through opportunity and guidance, she
emerged as a symbol of women’s empowerment.
Her rejection of the greedy bridegroom reflects her inner
strength and transformation.
Value Highlight: Every individual, no matter how weak
or poor, deserves respect, opportunity, and education.
Sample Board Question (2023):
What social message does the story “Bholi” convey?
Answer: It conveys that education can uplift weaker sections, especially
women, by giving them the confidence to fight for their dignity.
3. Abolition of the Dowry System
The story exposes the evil of dowry, where even
educated families succumb to greed. Bishamber Nath’s demand for ₹5000 shows the
hypocrisy of society.
Bholi’s firm stand against dowry at the cost of her marriage
demonstrates moral courage and social reform.
Her act inspires young readers to oppose dowry and
discrimination in all forms.
Quote from the story:
“For the sake of your izzat I was willing to marry this lame old man. But I
will not have such a mean, greedy and contemptible coward as my husband.”
PYQ (CBSE 2019):
Why did Bholi reject the marriage proposal?
Answer: She refused to marry Bishamber Nath when he demanded dowry, as
she could not accept a greedy and cowardly man.
Character Sketches
Bholi (Sulekha):
- Simple,
shy, and stammering girl.
- Mentally
slow and physically scarred.
- Neglected
by her family.
- Transforms
into a confident, self-respecting woman.
- Represents
the power of education and self-belief.
Ramlal:
- Village
revenue officer, traditional mindset.
- Loves
his daughter but bound by social norms.
- Represents
the average Indian father who realizes too late the power of
education.
Bholi’s Teacher:
- Symbol
of kindness and enlightenment.
- Encourages
Bholi, builds her confidence.
- Plays
a vital role in her transformation.
Bishamber Nath:
- Wealthy
grocer, greedy and opportunistic.
- Represents
dowry-driven hypocrisy of society.
Moral of the Story
“Bholi” teaches that education is the most
powerful tool to bring equality and end social evils like dowry,
discrimination, and gender bias.
It reminds readers that empowerment begins with awareness, and one
educated woman can transform an entire community.
Key Notes for Revision
|
Aspect |
Details |
|
Author |
K.A. Abbas |
|
Book |
Footprints Without Feet (Supplementary Reader) |
|
Setting |
Rural Indian village |
|
Main Character |
Bholi (Sulekha) |
|
Major Themes |
Women’s education, empowerment, dowry abolition |
|
Moral |
Education transforms lives and builds courage |
|
Tone |
Inspirational, social, and realistic |
|
CBSE Weightage |
6–8 marks (Short + Long Answer) |
Important Questions & Answers (Board Pattern)
Q1. Why was Bholi called a simpleton?
A. Bholi suffered brain damage as an infant and stammered while
speaking. Her appearance after smallpox and slow learning made others call her
a simpleton.
Q2. How did the teacher play a role in changing
Bholi’s life?
A. The teacher treated her with kindness, gave her confidence, and
taught her to speak without fear. This support transformed Bholi’s personality.
Q3. What does Bholi’s refusal to marry Bishamber
show?
A. It reflects her courage, self-respect, and awareness about the evils
of dowry.
Q4. (CBSE 2022) Why was Bholi’s father worried about
her?
A. He feared no one would marry her due to her appearance and stammer.
Q5. (Sample Paper 2024) What lesson does Bholi’s
story teach about women empowerment?
A. That education can liberate women and enable them to stand for their
dignity and equality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who is the author of Bholi?
Ans: K.A. Abbas, a famous Indian writer and filmmaker known for social
themes.
Q2. What is the central idea of the story Bholi?
Ans: Education empowers women to overcome discrimination and social
evils.
Q3. What was the turning point in Bholi’s life?
Ans: Meeting her kind teacher at school who helped her gain confidence.
Q4. What social issues are reflected in the story?
Ans: Gender inequality, neglect of girl children, lack of education, and
dowry system.
Q5. Why is the story titled “Bholi”?
Ans: “Bholi” means a simple, innocent girl. The title highlights her
transformation from a fearful child to a strong, enlightened woman.
Conclusion
The story Bholi is not just about one girl’s
transformation — it is about the awakening of a generation of women
through education and dignity.
Through simple storytelling, K.A. Abbas questions social evils like
dowry, discrimination, and ignorance.
For CBSE students, this story is a must-study example of moral courage and
empowerment — central to the New NCERT 2025 curriculum.
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