NCERT Solutions for Class 10

English - Footprints Without Feet

Chapter 9 – Bholi

Read and Find Out

1. Why is Bholi’s father worried about her?

Ans: Bholi lacked both intelligence and beauty. When she was a child, she fell from
her crib and damaged a portion of her brain. When she was two years old, she
contracted smallpox, which caused pockmarks all over her body. She also
stammered when she spoke, which made her a target for ridicule. Bholi's father was
concerned about her future and marriage as a result of this.

2. For what unusual reasons is Bholi sent to school?

Ans: The tehsildar visited Bholi's hamlet to open a primary school for girls. To set
an example for others, he requested Ramlal to send his daughters to school. Ramlal's
wife, on the other hand, believed that no one would marry a schoolgirl. As a result,
she objected to the girls going to school, but Ramlal couldn't defy the tehsildar. This
prompted them to send Bholi to school, believing that because Bholi's physical flaws
would always be a hurdle in her marriage, it wouldn't matter if she went to school.

3. Does Bholi enjoy her first day at school?

Ans: Yes, Bholi enjoyed her first day at school. Bholi was terrified when she arrived
at school. She felt a little more at ease when she saw other females at school and
realised she might make some nice friends. When the teacher questioned her name
and she stammered, the other girls teased her, making her feel embarrassed. She
returned home delighted, though, because the teacher encouraged her to study and
attend school on a daily basis in order to grow more knowledgeable and confident.
Yes, Bholi enjoyed her first day of school because she was relieved to see so many

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girls her age there. She hoped to make friends with one of these young ladies.

4. Does she find her teacher different from the people at home?

Ans: Yes, she notices a significant difference between her teacher and the folks she
knows at home. The teacher recognized her problem and encouraged her to work
hard to conquer her stammering. She taught her in a methodical manner and
encouraged her to go to school on a regular basis.

5. Why do Bholi’s parents accept Bishamber’s marriage proposal?

Ans: Bholi's parents were concerned that if they did not accept Bishamber's
proposal, she would be single for the rest of her life. Her mother explained that they
were fortunate that Bishamber was from another village and hence was unaware of
Bholi's pock-marks and lack of understanding. Furthermore, he had made no dowry
request. Bholi's parents accepted the marriage proposal as a result.

6. Why does the marriage not take place?

Ans: Bholi refused to marry Bishamber, hence the marriage did not take place. When
the groom noticed her pockmarks on her face, he stated that he would only marry
her if her father paid him a dowry of five thousand rupees. Despite Ramlal's repeated
pleas, Bishamber refused to move from his position. Ramlal then placed the dowry
money at the groom's feet. As a result, Bishamber lashed out her hand as she was
going to place the garland around Bholi's neck, and the garland was tossed into the
flames. She stated that she would only marry that man for the sake of her father's
honour. The wedding does not take place because the groom sought a dowry.

Think About It

1. Bholi had many apprehensions about going to school. What made her feel
that she was going to a better place than her home?

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Ans: When Bholi received care that she had never received before, she felt as if she
was going to a better location than her home. Bholi had never had new clothes made
for her. Her sisters' old outfits were passed down to her. No one was interested in
mending or washing her garments. She did, however, obtain a clean outfit before
being sent to school. She was even given a bath and oil was applied to her dry, matted
hair. She began to believe that she was being taken to a better place than her home
at that point.

2. How did Bholi’s teacher play an important role in changing the course of her
life?
Ans: Bholi's teacher was essential in transforming her life. She was the first person
to speak to her with affection. She encouraged her to say her name out loud without
fear. She handed her a book in order to instil in her a drive to learn. She promised
her that she would become more knowledgeable than everyone else in the
community over time, and that no one would be able to make fun of her. People
would respect and heed to her. This gave Bholi a fresh sense of hope.

3. Why did Bholi at first agree to an unequal match? Why did she later reject
the marriage? What does this tell us about her?

Ans: Bholi agreed to an unequal match at first since she was fortunate enough to
find a well-to-do bridegroom who owned a large shop, had his own home and had
several thousand dollars in the bank. He was also not looking for a dowry. Bholi also
overheard her mother explain that he was unaware of her pockmarks and lack of
understanding. If the proposal is turned down, she may be single for the rest of her
life. She eventually declined the marriage because the bridegroom sought a dowry
of 5,000 rupees. She decided not to marry him after watching his father pleading and
ashamed.

This demonstrates that she has self-respect, understands what is right and wrong,
and can make sound decisions.

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4. Bholi’s real name is Sulekha. 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?

Ans: Bholi is a Hindi word that means "simpleton." She had been a simpleton
throughout the story, rarely expressing her viewpoint. Sulekha is a word that refers
to someone who has a good sense of letters. This word has a broader connotation in
this story, implying that the person is literate, clever, and mature. Bholi has truly
transformed into Sulekha as a result of her education, and her declaration during the
marriage is her public declaration to the world that she is no longer a Bholi but
Sulekha.

5. Bholi’s story must have moved you. Do you think girl children are not treated
at par with boys? You are aware that the government has introduced a scheme
to save the girl child as the sex ratio is declining. The scheme is called Beti
Bachao Beti Padhao, Save the Girl Child. Read about the scheme and design a
poster in groups of four and display it on the school notice board.
Ans: Poster:

Beti Bachao Padao Beti!!

When a man is educated, he is educated.

When you educate a female, however, you are educating a generation.

Today's lives are being shaped for a better tomorrow.

Talk About It

1. Bholi’s teacher helped her overcome social barriers by encouraging and

motivating her. How do you think you can contribute towards changing the
social attitudes illustrated in this story?

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Ans: We can help to change the social attitudes depicted in the story by ensuring
that both girls and boys are aware of their rights and treating them equally.
Furthermore, ensuring that they have equitable access to education and jobs. Also
by refusing to pay dowry

2. 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’ rights and boys’ rights?
Ans: Yes, young women should be aware of and express their rights. The rights,
responsibilities, and privileges of girls and boys must be equal.
Boys and girls are treated differently, particularly in villages and small towns. In
comparison to girls, parents tend to spend more on their sons' education. They instil
in their daughters the values of politeness, calmness, and mastery of home
responsibilities. When we talk about "human rights," the law does not distinguish
between girls' and boys' rights. However, this disparity exists in society.

3. Do you think the characters in the story were speaking to each other in
English? If not, in which language were they speaking? (You can get clues from
the names of the persons and the nonEnglish words used in the story.)
Ans: No, the story's characters did not communicate with one another in English.
Pitaji, tehsildar, izzat, numberdar, and other words in the text suggest that the story's
characters were speaking in Hindi.

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