Class 10 English Chapter 8 Question Answers - Bholi

Q1. What kind of treatment is given to Bholi by her parents? Is it justified?
Ans: Bholi, originally named Sulekha, was the youngest of Ramlal's seven children. After a fall at ten months old, she suffered brain damage, resulting in her being a backward child. Her parents treated her poorly, often calling her a witless fool and neglecting her basic needs. They did not provide her with new clothes or care for her hygiene, viewing her as a burden. They only sent her to school to relieve themselves of this responsibility. Ramlal's treatment of Bholi was unjustified. Despite being a prosperous farmer, he failed to show her the love and care she deserved. Instead of supporting her, he focused on her lack of beauty and intelligence, which deepened her feelings of worthlessness.

Q2. Bholi’s teacher was not an ordinary teacher. She was more than that. Suppose you become a teacher. What qualities of Bholi’s teacher will you imbibe to help students to overcome social discrimination?
Ans: If I become a teacher, I would embrace the qualities of Bholi’s teacher to help students overcome social discrimination. I would strive to create a supportive environment where every child feels valued, regardless of their background. Encouragement would be essential; I would motivate students to express themselves and conquer their fears, just as Bholi's teacher did. Furthermore, I would focus on providing individual attention, ensuring that each student receives the necessary support. By fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance, I would aim to build their confidence and self-esteem. This approach would empower students to challenge societal norms and embrace their uniqueness.

Q3. Demanding dowry is an evil practice. Describe how Bholi, a dumb cowgirl fought against this evil.
Ans: Bholi, initially perceived as a dumb cowgirl, was sent to school following the Tehsildar's orders. Her teacher played a vital role in transforming her from Bholi into Sulekha, a confident and educated young woman. Despite her progress, her family failed to recognise her transformation and arranged her marriage to a fifty-year-old lame man without consideration. Defiantly, Bholi rejected the marriage, asserting that although she had reluctantly accepted the idea of an unequal match, she would not participate in the dowry system. She confronted Bishamber, labeling him a mean and greedy coward, and declared that she was no longer a dumb-driven cow. Her courageous stance served as an inspiration for others in society, making her a role model for young girls. In a bold act, Bholi threw the wedding garland into the fire and spoke clearly to her family, firmly stating her decision not to marry. Her transformation from a stammering girl to a self-assured woman challenged societal norms and underscored the urgent need for change.

Q4. Bholi’s father was worried about her. Why didn’t Bholi’s parents treat her at par with other siblings? Parents are the ones who the children look up to. What values should the parents possess that help their children share a strong bond with them?
Ans: Bholi's father was worried about her due to her difficulties from a young age. When she was just ten months old, she fell from a cot, which likely caused damage to her brain, affecting her intelligence and speech. This incident led to her being labeled a simpleton. At the age of two, she suffered from smallpox, leaving her with pockmarks that made her appear less attractive. Consequently, she was often neglected and treated poorly by her family. Bholi received only the old dresses of her sisters, which were rarely mended or washed. This lack of attention made her feel disconnected from her parents and siblings. The values essential for a strong bond between parents and children were notably absent in Bholi's family. However, she found these values through her teacher, who took a special interest in her. This support helped Bholi become an obedient and well-behaved daughter, despite the neglect she faced at home.

Q5. Give a brief account of Ramlal’s children.
​Ans: Ramlal had seven children: three sons and four daughters. His daughters were named Radha, Mangla, Champa, and the youngest, Sulekha, who was often called Bholi. Ramlal was a prosperous farmer, and all his children, except Bholi, were healthy and intelligent. His sons were sent to the city for their education and later attended college. Radha, the eldest daughter, was already married, and Mangla's marriage was also arranged. Ramlal had no trouble finding suitable husbands for his daughters, as they were all beautiful. However, he was deeply concerned about Bholi. Unlike her siblings, Bholi was a backward child with pockmarks on her face and a stammer. She was often neglected and faced ridicule from others, which made her shy and withdrawn. Ramlal's worries about her future grew, especially as she was not as fortunate in looks or intelligence as her sisters.

Q6. Give a brief character sketch of Bholi and describe the role the teacher played in her life.
Ans: Bholi, originally named Sulekha, faced numerous challenges from a young age. After a fall at ten months old, she suffered brain damage, which impacted her intelligence and speech. Unable to speak until she was five, she developed a stutter, leading to mockery from her peers. Additionally, a smallpox attack left her with deep pockmarks, further isolating her and making her feel neglected. At the age of seven, Bholi's life began to change when she was sent to school. Here, a kind and caring teacher played a vital role in her transformation. The teacher encouraged Bholi to build her confidence and improve her speech. With her support, Bholi gradually became more self-assured and began to respect herself. Ultimately, Bholi found the strength to refuse a marriage proposal, asserting her right to choose her own path. The teacher's nurturing guidance and education were crucial in changing Bholi's life, enabling her to overcome the limitations imposed by her circumstances.

Q7. Write a brief character sketch of Ramlal in about 120 words.
Ans: Ramlal was a successful farmer with a large family of seven children, including three sons and four daughters. His household was well-off, ensuring there was always plenty of food and drink. While he prioritised sending his sons to the city for a good education, he was more concerned with marrying off his daughters than their schooling. The only exception was Bholi, whom he reluctantly allowed to attend school after the Tehsildar insisted. Ramlal was a practical man, valuing money and wealth over moral duties. He was prepared to marry Bholi to an older man, Bishamber, to protect his family's honor. Ramlal even offered a substantial dowry to uphold his family's izzat. Despite his wealth, he worried about Bholi's future, as she lacked both beauty and intelligence, fearing she might never find a husband.

Q8. Who was Bishamber Nath? Did Bholi do the right thing by rejecting such a person?
Ans: Bishamber Nath was a wealthy grocer who owned a large shop, a house, and had significant savings. He was a widower with grown children from his first marriage. Despite being much older than Bholi and having a limp, her parents viewed him as a suitable match without consulting her. Bishamber attempted to impress Bholi's parents with his wealth, arriving with a large entourage and a brass band, which pleased Ramlal, Bholi's father. However, Bishamber's true character emerged when he noticed Bholi's pockmarks. He shamelessly demanded a dowry of five thousand rupees to marry her. In a surprising turn of events, Bholi rejected his proposal. She threw the wedding garland into the fire, boldly declaring that she would not marry such a mean and greedy man. This act of defiance astonished everyone, as she spoke clearly and without her usual stammer, asserting her right to choose her own path. Bholi told her father to take back the money, demonstrating her strength and independence. By rejecting Bishamber, who valued wealth over character, Bholi made the right decision. Her choice highlighted her desire for a partner who respected her as a person, rather than someone who saw her as a mere transaction.

Q9. What kind of treatment does Bholi get from her parents? Does she deserve it? Comment.
Ans: Bholi, whose real name is Sulekha, was the youngest daughter of Numberdar Ramlal. From an early age, she experienced neglect from her parents. Initially, she was a fair and pretty child, but after a fall at ten months old, she may have suffered brain damage. This incident, along with a severe case of smallpox at two years old, left her with deep pockmarks and a stammer. Unlike her siblings, who were healthy and attractive, Bholi was viewed as a burden. Ramlal and his wife were primarily concerned about Bholi's appearance and intelligence, fearing she would struggle to find a husband. Although they sent her to school, it was not motivated by a desire for her education; rather, they were compelled by the Tehsildar's orders. Ramlal's wife suggested sending Bholi to school, believing it would relieve them of the responsibility of finding her a suitable match. This treatment underscores their callousness and lack of understanding towards Bholi, who deserved far better than the neglect and disdain she received.

Q10. What ideas do you form about Ramlal’s personality?
Ans: Ramlal, the Numberdar of his village, was a respected figure and a devoted father to his four daughters and three sons. He prioritised education for his sons, sending them to the city for schooling, while actively seeking suitable husbands for his daughters. His concern for his youngest daughter, Bholi, was particularly evident; he took her to school, hoping for a brighter future for her. Ramlal instructed his wife to prepare Bholi by bathing her and providing clean clothes, showing his care. Despite his love for Bholi, Ramlal hesitated to marry her off to Bishamber, a man nearly his age. He sought Bholi's opinion on this decision, indicating his desire to consider her feelings. However, it seemed he was swayed by his wife's views. Ultimately, Ramlal parted with five thousand rupees for Bholi's happiness, reflecting his deep commitment as a father. His actions demonstrate a blend of traditional values and a genuine wish for his daughter's well-being.