Master Bholi Class 10 with this comprehensive study guide featuring complete summaries in English and Hindi, detailed character sketches exploring Sulekha’s journey, and the teacher’s transformative role in her education. Understand how Bholi refuses marriage and dowry to embrace self-respect and independence. This page provides NCERT-style solutions, important questions with model answers, grammar exercises, Ramlal’s sacrifice explored, extract-based practice, and thematic analysis covering courage, social justice, and education’s power. Perfect for exam preparation and deep understanding of this empowering story about transformation through learning.

bholi class 10 summary

English Summary

Have you ever been laughed at so much that you stopped believing in yourself? Imagine standing silent while the whole world decides your future for you. This is the story of a girl who begins life as the weakest voice in the room—but ends it by speaking the strongest truth.

This chapter tells the story of Bholi, a neglected girl mocked for her looks and speech, who slowly finds confidence through education. When her parents try to marry her off to a greedy man, she finally stands up for herself. The conflict ends when Bholi rejects the marriage and chooses a life of self-respect and independence.

Sulekha, known to everyone as Bholi, is the youngest daughter of Numberdar Ramlal, a prosperous farmer. As a baby, she falls from her cot and grows up slow and timid. At the age of two, she suffers from smallpox, which leaves her face and body covered with deep black pock-marks. She also begins to stammer, and other children mock her cruelly. Hurt and frightened, she speaks very little and is neglected at home. While her sisters are pretty and easily married, Ramlal worries constantly about Bholi, who has “neither good looks nor intelligence.”

When a girls’ primary school opens in the village, the Tehsildar orders Ramlal to send his daughters there. Ramlal’s wife refuses, fearing no one will marry educated girls. Finally, she agrees to send Bholi, believing she is a burden anyway. On her first day, Bholi is terrified. She cries and thinks she is being sent away like their cow Lakshmi. Dressed in clean clothes for the first time, she reaches school trembling with fear. In the classroom, she cannot speak her name and breaks down in tears when the girls laugh. Then the teacher speaks to her gently, calling her “Bholi” in a soft voice. Encouraged by words like “Well done” and “Put the fear out of your heart,” Bholi manages to say her name aloud. The teacher promises that one day people will listen to her with respect. For the first time, Bholi feels hope, as if “all the bells in the village temple were ringing.”

Years pass. The village grows into a town, and the school becomes a high school. Bholi grows educated and confident. Meanwhile, her parents accept a marriage proposal from Bishamber Nath, an older, limping but wealthy man. They believe Bholi is lucky since he asks for no dowry. On the wedding day, when Bishamber sees Bholi’s pock-marked face, he demands five thousand rupees to marry her. Ramlal begs and finally gives the money, placing his turban at the groom’s feet. Just as the garland is raised, Bholi throws it into the sacred fire and tears off her veil. Speaking clearly and firmly, she says, “Pitaji! Take back your money. I am not going to marry this man.” She refuses to marry a greedy and heartless man, shocking everyone. At the end, Bholi declares she will teach at the same school and care for her parents. The teacher watches proudly, seeing her life’s work fulfilled.

 Characters

Bholi (Sulekha) – timid but determined – the central character who gains confidence through education

Ramlal – worried but weak – Bholi’s father who gives in to social pressure

Bholi’s Mother – practical and harsh – sees Bholi as a burden

Bishamber Nath – greedy and arrogant – the groom who demands dowry

The Teacher – kind and encouraging – transforms Bholi’s life

Education gives you confidence and self-respect. You learn to speak up against injustice instead of silently accepting it. True dignity comes from courage and self-belief, not from marriage or social approval.

class 10 bholi Hindi Summary

क्या तुम्हारे साथ कभी इतना मज़ाक उड़ाया गया है कि तुमने खुद पर भरोसा करना ही छोड़ दिया हो? ज़रा सोचो, तुम चुप खड़े हो और पूरी दुनिया तुम्हारा भविष्य तय कर रही हो। यह कहानी एक ऐसी लड़की की है जो जीवन की शुरुआत कमरे की सबसे कमज़ोर आवाज़ के रूप में करती है—लेकिन अंत में सबसे मज़बूत सच बोलती है।

यह अध्याय भोली की कहानी बताता है, एक उपेक्षित लड़की जिसे उसके रूप और बोलने के ढंग के लिए चिढ़ाया जाता है, लेकिन शिक्षा के ज़रिये वह धीरे-धीरे आत्मविश्वास पाती है। जब उसके माता-पिता उसकी शादी एक लालची आदमी से करना चाहते हैं, तो वह अंत में अपने लिए खड़ी होती है। कहानी का टकराव तब खत्म होता है जब भोली इस शादी को ठुकरा देती है और आत्मसम्मान व स्वतंत्रता का जीवन चुनती है।

सुलेखा, जिसे सब लोग भोली कहते हैं, नंबरदार रामलाल की सबसे छोटी बेटी है, जो एक समृद्ध किसान हैं। बचपन में वह खाट से गिर जाती है और धीमी व डरपोक बन जाती है। दो साल की उम्र में उसे चेचक हो जाती है, जिससे उसके चेहरे और शरीर पर गहरे काले चेचक के दाग पड़ जाते हैं। वह हकलाने भी लगती है, और दूसरे बच्चे उसका बेरहमी से मज़ाक उड़ाते हैं। दुखी और डरी हुई, वह बहुत कम बोलती है और घर में भी उसकी उपेक्षा होती है। उसकी बहनें सुंदर हैं और आसानी से शादी हो जाती है, लेकिन रामलाल भोली को लेकर हमेशा चिंतित रहते हैं, जिसके पास “न अच्छे रूप हैं, न ही बुद्धि।”

जब गाँव में लड़कियों का प्राथमिक विद्यालय खुलता है, तो तहसीलदार रामलाल को अपनी बेटियों को स्कूल भेजने का आदेश देता है। रामलाल की पत्नी मना कर देती है, क्योंकि उसे डर है कि पढ़ी-लिखी लड़कियों से कोई शादी नहीं करेगा। आखिर में वह भोली को भेजने के लिए मान जाती है, यह सोचकर कि वैसे भी वह एक बोझ है। पहले दिन भोली बहुत डर जाती है। वह रोती है और सोचती है कि उसे घर से निकालकर उनकी गाय लक्ष्मी की तरह कहीं भेजा जा रहा है। पहली बार साफ कपड़े पहनकर वह डरती-काँपती स्कूल पहुँचती है। कक्षा में वह अपना नाम नहीं बोल पाती और जब लड़कियाँ हँसती हैं तो फूट-फूट कर रोने लगती है। तभी शिक्षिका उसे नरमी से “भोली” कहकर बुलाती है। “शाबाश” और “दिल से डर निकाल दो” जैसे शब्दों से हौसला पाकर भोली ज़ोर से अपना नाम बोल पाती है। शिक्षिका उसे भरोसा दिलाती है कि एक दिन लोग उसकी बात सम्मान से सुनेंगे। पहली बार भोली को आशा महसूस होती है, जैसे “गाँव के मंदिर की सारी घंटियाँ बज उठी हों।”

समय बीत जाता है। गाँव कस्बा बन जाता है और स्कूल हाई स्कूल बन जाता है। भोली पढ़ी-लिखी और आत्मविश्वासी बनती है। इसी बीच उसके माता-पिता बिशंबरनाथ से उसकी शादी तय करते हैं, जो उम्र में बड़ा, लंगड़ा लेकिन अमीर आदमी है। वे मानते हैं कि भोली भाग्यशाली है क्योंकि वह दहेज नहीं माँग रहा। शादी के दिन, जब बिशंबरनाथ भोली के चेचक के दाग देखता है, तो वह शादी के बदले पाँच हज़ार रुपये माँगता है। रामलाल गिड़गिड़ाते हैं और आखिरकार अपनी पगड़ी दूल्हे के पैरों में रखकर पैसे दे देते हैं। जैसे ही वरमाला उठती है, भोली उसे पवित्र अग्नि में फेंक देती है और अपना घूँघट उतार देती है। साफ और मज़बूत आवाज़ में वह कहती है, “पिताजी! अपने पैसे वापस ले लीजिए। मैं इस आदमी से शादी नहीं करूँगी।” वह एक लालची और निर्दयी आदमी से शादी करने से इनकार कर देती है, जिससे सब चौंक जाते हैं। अंत में, भोली कहती है कि वह उसी स्कूल में पढ़ाएगी और अपने माता-पिता की सेवा करेगी। शिक्षिका गर्व से यह सब देखती है, जैसे उसका जीवन-कार्य पूरा हो गया हो।

पात्र

भोली (सुलेखा) – डरपोक लेकिन दृढ़ – मुख्य पात्र जो शिक्षा से आत्मविश्वास पाती है

रामलाल – चिंतित लेकिन कमज़ोर – भोली के पिता जो सामाजिक दबाव में झुक जाते हैं

भोली की माँ – व्यावहारिक और कठोर – भोली को बोझ समझती है

बिशंबरनाथ – लालची और घमंडी – दहेज माँगने वाला दूल्हा

शिक्षिका – दयालु और प्रेरक – भोली का जीवन बदलने वाली

शिक्षा तुम्हें आत्मविश्वास और आत्मसम्मान देती है। तुम चुपचाप अन्याय सहने के बजाय उसके ख़िलाफ़ बोलना सीखते हो। सच्ची गरिमा साहस और आत्मविश्वास से आती है, न कि शादी या समाज की स्वीकृति से।

class 10 bholi Keywords with meanings:

1. Important Keyword :

Bholi – simple, shy girl (Sulekha)

Sulekha – Bholi’s real name

Ramlal – Bholi’s father, numberdar

Numberdar – village revenue official

Teacher – kind lady who helps Bholi

Tehsildar – government officer at school opening

Small-pox – disease that left pock-marks

Pock-marks – deep black spots on skin

Stammer – speak with breaks; h-h-hesitation

Cot – low wooden bed

Lakshmi – family cow

Headmistress – school head who receives Bholi

Primary school – girls’ school opened in village

High school – upgraded school later

Ginning mill – cotton processing place

Mail train – train that starts stopping at station

Dowry – money demanded for marriage

Bishamber Nath – well-to-do grocer, groom

Bridegroom – man who marries

Brass-band – wedding band

Marigolds – yellow wedding garland flowers

Veil – cloth covering bride’s face

Sacred fire – wedding ritual fire

Garland – flower necklace for ceremony

Izzat – family honor

Safe – place where money is kept

Turban – symbol of honor placed at feet

Contempt – cold dislike/disrespect

Proposal – offer of marriage

Ceremony – wedding rituals

Whisper – speak very softly

Shame – disgrace in society

Courage – bravery to say ‘no’

Respect – people listen seriously

Hope – new life feeling in Bholi

Friend – what Bholi hopes to find at school

Mats – where girls sit in class

Pictures – wall images that soothe Bholi

Book – picture book that starts learning

Words – big black letters with pictures

Encourage – praise to help speak

Promise – teacher’s assurance to Bholi

class 10 bholi Important Phrases:

• “Her name was Sulekha, but since her childhood everyone had been calling her Bholi, the simpleton.”
• “When she was two years old, she had an attack of small-pox.”
• “The entire body was permanently disfigured by deep black pock-marks.”
• “Little Sulekha could not speak till she was five, and when at last she learnt to speak, she stammered.”
• “The Tehsildar sahib came to perform its opening ceremony.”
• “You must send your daughters to school.”
• “New clothes had never been made for Bholi.”
• “The colours fascinated her.”
• “What’s your name, little one?”
• “Bh-Bho-Bho-.”
• “Well done, well done,”
• “Put the fear out of your heart and you will be able to speak like everyone else.”
• “Now take this book.”
• “In time you will be more learned than anyone else in the village.”
• “People will listen to you with respect and you will be able to speak without the slightest stammer.”
• “All the bells in the village temple were ringing.”
• “Blossomed into big red flowers.”
• “A brass-band playing a popular tune from an Indian film headed the procession.”
• “The auspicious moment came.”
• “Garland the bride,”
• “She has pock-marks on her face.”
• “Her father must give me five thousand rupees.”
• “Ramlal went and placed his turban — his honour — at Bishamber’s feet.”
• “Give me the garland,”
• “Her eyes were not downcast.”
• “Only cold contempt.”
• “Bholi’s hand struck out like a streak of lightning and the garland was flung into the fire.”
• “Pitaji! Take back your money. I am not going to marry this man.”
• “Have some regard for our izzat!”
• “Mean, greedy and contemptible coward”
• “The dumb cow, the stammering fool, is speaking.”
• “What shall we do with you?”
• “In your old age I will serve you and Mother and I will teach in the same school where I learnt so much.”
• “The light of a deep satisfaction that an artist feels when contemplating the completion of her masterpiece.”

class 10 bholi question answer

Text based questions and answers.

Q1. Why is Bholi’s father worried about her?

Answer:Bholi’s father is worried because she is considered a simpleton due to an early accident and smallpox scars, which make her look different and backward. He fears she won’t be able to get married or live a normal life. This worry shows how society judges people by appearance, causing fear and insecurity in families. Bholi’s father’s concern reflects the social stigma around disabilities and looks.

Q2. For what unusual reasons is Bholi sent to school?

Answer:Bholi is sent to school mainly because her parents feel she is not marriageable due to her looks and behavior. They hope education might improve her prospects and self-confidence. This is unusual as girls, especially ones with disabilities, were often kept at home rather than sent to school, highlighting a new hope placed on education to change her future.

Q3. Does Bholi enjoy her first day at school?

Answer:Bholi does enjoy her first day at school as she experiences kindness and understanding from her teacher, which is new to her. The school feels welcoming compared to her neglect at home. This positive experience motivates her to look forward to learning and growing as a person.

Q4. Does she find her teacher different from the people at home?

Answer:Yes, Bholi finds her teacher very different because the teacher treats her with respect and encourages her, unlike her family who ignored or underestimated her. This difference helps Bholi feel valued and boosts her self-esteem, showing the power of supportive teachers in a child’s life.

Q5. Why do Bholi’s parents accept Bishamber’s marriage proposal?

Answer:Bholi’s parents accept Bishamber’s proposal because they believe he is a suitable match for her, and they want to marry her off quickly. They think this will secure her future despite her limitations, reflecting their concern more for social status and tradition than Bholi’s wishes.

Q6. Why does the marriage not take place?

Answer:The marriage does not take place because Bholi, empowered by her teacher’s support, stands up for herself and refuses to marry Bishamber, who had shown ill intentions. Her refusal surprises her family but marks her growth in self-confidence and decision-making, showing her newfound strength and independence.

Text based questions and answers

Q1. Bholi had many apprehensions about going to school. What made her feel that she was going to a better place than her home?

Answer:Bholi felt school would be better than home because at school she received kindness and attention she never got at home. The teacher treated her gently and made her feel important, unlike the neglect and rejection by her family. This new care gave Bholi hope and confidence, showing how a supportive environment can transform a child’s feelings and future.

Q2. How did Bholi’s teacher play an important role in changing the course of her life?

Answer:Bholi’s teacher helped her by encouraging and believing in her, which boosted Bholi’s self-esteem. She gave Bholi care and confidence that she had never known before, helping her overcome social stigma and fear. The teacher’s support empowered Bholi to stand up for herself and change her destiny, showing the power of education and kindness.

Q3. 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:Bholi initially agreed to the unequal match because she wanted to please her family and felt helpless. Later, she rejected the marriage when she realized Bishamber’s bad character, showing her growth in self-respect and courage. This tells us that Bholi became strong and aware of her rights, refusing to accept unfair treatment in life.

Q4. 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?

Answer:Bholi being called Sulekha near the end signifies her transformation from a neglected “simpleton” to a confident, respected person. It shows her true identity emerging, symbolizing hope and a new beginning. This name change marks her growth and the recognition of her real self beyond her past.

Q5. 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 on the school notice board.

Answer:Girls often face unfair treatment compared to boys, seen in limited opportunities and social bias, as in Bholi’s case. The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme aims to protect and educate girls, promoting equality and respect. Awareness and action like this help change society to value girls equally, ensuring a better future for all children.

Q6. 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?

Answer:One can contribute by treating everyone equally, encouraging girls to study and achieve goals, and standing against discrimination. Promoting kindness and respect in daily life helps break harmful stereotypes. Small actions like supporting education and spreading awareness can change social attitudes and create a fair society.

Q7. 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?

Answer:Girls should definitely know and assert their rights for equal opportunities and protection. Boys and girls must have the same rights and responsibilities to build a just society. However, society often treats them differently by limiting girls’ freedom and education. Human rights apply equally to all, without distinction, and awareness is key to ending discrimination.

Q8. 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 non-English words used in the story.)

Answer:The characters likely spoke in their local language or dialect, not English, as indicated by the Indian names and cultural words in the story. English is used in the text for teaching purposes, but the original conversations would be in a familiar language to the characters, making the story relatable and authentic for readers.

class 10 bholi Grammar

• Do as directed
• Tenses – Fill in the blanks (Do as directed):

Ramlal (be) ____ worried because Bholi (have) ____ neither good looks nor intelligence.

• Tenses – Correct the form (Do as directed):

The mail train start to stop at their station after the village become a town.

• Voice Change – Active to Passive (Do as directed):

The headmistress handed over Bholi to the teacher.

• Voice Change – Passive to Active (Do as directed):

Bholi was led to the bride’s place near the sacred fire.

• Reported Speech – Direct to Indirect (Do as directed):

“Put the fear out of your heart,” the teacher said to Bholi.

• Reported Speech – Indirect to Direct (Do as directed):

Ramlal asked his wife if he should accept Bishamber’s proposal.

• Articles & Prepositions – Fill in the blanks (Do as directed):

He is ____ (a/an/the) numberdar and a representative ____ (of/for/to) the government ____ (in/at/on) the village.

• Modals – Supply suitable modal (Do as directed):

“You ____ (must/should/can) come to school every day,” the teacher told Bholi.

• Sentence Transformation – Negative to Affirmative (Do asdirected):

She did not look down.

• Sentence Transformation – Combine using “because” (Do as directed):

Bholi had pock-marks. The children mocked her.

• Comparative/Superlative – Rewrite (Do as directed):

Bholi became learned. No one else in the village was as learned as her. (Use: the most)

• Question Formation – Yes/No question (Do as directed):

Bishamber demanded five thousand rupees.

• Editing – Error spotting and correction (Do as directed):

The colours fascinate her — the horse were brown and the goat were black.

• Omission – One word missing in each line; write the missing word (Do as directed):

Bholi felt as if all the bells the village temple

were ringing the trees had blossomed.

• Gap Filling/Cloze – Choose the correct word (Do as directed):

The teacher ______ (kindly/kinder) encouraged Bholi and ______ (give/gave) her a picture book so that she ______ (may/might) learn to read.

• Voice Change – Active to Passive (Do as directed):

The guests called her “shameless.”

• Reported Speech – Imperative (Do as directed):

“Garland the bride,” a friend said to Bishamber.

• Articles & Prepositions – Fill in the blanks (Do as directed):

She looked ____ (up/down) with ____ (a/an/the) cold contempt ____ (in/at/for) him.

• Modals – Advice vs necessity (Do as directed):

Ramlal said he ____ (must/should) have some regard for their izzat.

• Transformation – Remove too…to (Do as directed):

She was too frightened to speak.

class 10 bholi answers to the grammar questions 

        

• was; had
• Ramlal was worried because Bholi had neither good looks nor intelligence.
• starts; becomes
• The mail train starts to stop at their station after the village becomes a town.
• Bholi was handed over to the teacher by the headmistress.
• Move object to subject; use “by + agent.”
• They led Bholi to the bride’s place near the sacred fire.
• Change passive “was led” to active “they led” (understood agent: relatives/attendants).
• The teacher told Bholi to put the fear out of her heart.
• Imperative → to + base verb; pronoun shift.
• Ramlal said to his wife, “Should I accept Bishamber’s proposal?”
• Yes/No in indirect → if/whether; reverse back to direct with question form.
• a; of; in
• He is a numberdar and a representative of the government in the village.
• must/should
• Both work; “must” (necessity), “should” (advice).
• She looked up.
• Negative → affirmative; opposite verb.
• The children mocked her because Bholi had pock-marks.
• Use “because” and keep past form.
• Bholi became the most learned person in the village.
• Superlative with “the most.”
• Did Bishamber demand five thousand rupees?
• Past simple → Did + V1.
• fascinated; was; were
• The colours fascinated her — the horse was brown and the goat was black.
• in; and
• Bholi felt as if all the bells in the village temple were ringing and the trees had blossomed.
• kindly; gave; might
• Past narrative: adverb “kindly,” verb “gave,” reported possibility “might.”
• She was called “shameless” by the guests.
• Object becomes subject; “by + agent.”
• A friend told/asked Bishamber to garland the bride.
• Imperative → to + base verb.
• up; a; at
• She looked up with a cold contempt at him.
• should
• Advice about izzat fits “should” better than compulsion.
• She was so frightened that she could not speak.
• too…to → so…that + negative ability.

class 10 bholi Short Answer Questions (30–40 words)

Q1. Why was Ramlal worried about Bholi?

Ans: Bholi had neither good looks nor intelligence, due to a fall, small-pox scars, and stammering. Ramlal feared no one would marry her and worried about the family’s izzat.

Q2.For what unusual reason was Bholi sent to school?

Ans: The Tehsildar asked Ramlal to set an example by sending daughters to school. Her mother chose Bholi because she felt Bholi had little chance of marriage; “let the teachers worry about her.”

Q3.How did the teacher win Bholi’s trust on the first day?

Ans: She spoke softly, praised her “Well done,” gave a picture book, and promised, “People will listen to you with respect; you will speak without the slightest stammer.” Bholi felt like temple bells were ringing.

Q4.What changes came to the village over the years?

Ans: The village became a small town: the primary school became a high school, a cinema (tin shed) and ginning mill opened, and the mail train began to stop at their station.

Q5.Why did Bholi refuse to marry Bishamber?

Ans :He demanded ₹5,000 after seeing her pock-marks. Bholi called him a “mean, greedy and contemptible coward” and chose education and self-respect over a bad marriage.

Q6.How did Ramlal try to save the marriage?

Ans: He begged Bishamber, placed his **turban—his honour—**at his feet, offered ₹2,000, then paid ₹5,000 from the safe to avoid disgrace.

Q7.What promise did Bholi make at the end?

Ans: She told her father, “In your old age I will serve you and Mother and I will teach in the same school where I learnt so much,” choosing a dignified, independent life.

class 10 bholi Long Answer Questions (100–120 words)

Q1. How did education change Bholi’s life?

Answer:Education gave Bholi confidence and self-belief.

Her teacher encouraged her with patience and kindness.

She slowly overcame her fear and stammer.

Learning helped her realise her self-worth.

She gained the courage to speak boldly in public.

Education enabled her to reject an unjust marriage.

At the end, she chose dignity and independence.

She decided to become a teacher and serve her parents.

Q2. Give a character sketch of Bholi.

Answer:Bholi was timid, shy, and fearful as a child.

She was mocked due to her looks and stammer.

She was sensitive and deeply hurt by insults.

Education transformed her into a confident girl.

She showed courage by rejecting dowry and injustice.

She valued self-respect more than marriage.

In the end, she emerged as strong and independent.

Q3. What message does the story ‘Bholi’ convey?

Answer: Education empowers the weak and neglected.

Inner strength matters more than physical appearance.

Girls should be treated equally and with dignity.

Dowry is an evil social practice.

Self-respect is more important than social pressure.True change begins with confidence and awareness.

class 10 bholi Extract-Based Questions

Extract 1: “Well done, well done,” the teacher encouraged her. “Put the fear out of your heart and you will be able to speak like everyone else.”

Q1. Who is being praised here, and why?

Ans: Bholi, for trying to say her name despite stammering.

Q2. What did the teacher give her after this?

Ans: A picture book with coloured pictures and big black words.

Q3. What promise did the teacher make?

Ans: She would speak without stammer, and people would listen with respect.

Extract 2: “Her father must give me five thousand rupees.”

Q1. Who says this and when?

Ans: Bishamber Nath, at the garlanding moment after seeing Bholi’s pock-marks.

Q2. How does Ramlal react?

Ans: He begs, places his **turban—his honour—**at Bishamber’s feet, then pays ₹5,000 from the safe.

Q3. What does Bholi do next?

Ans: She strikes the garland into the fire and refuses the marriage.

Extract 3: “In your old age I will serve you and Mother and I will teach in the same school where I learnt so much.”

Q1. What does this reveal about Bholi’s decision?

Ans: She chooses education, service, and self-reliance over a bad marriage.

Q2.How does this link to her journey?

Ans: It completes her change from fear to courage and from Bholi to Sulekha.

Q3. Who silently approves this decision?

Ans: The teacher, with the “light of a deep satisfaction,” like an artist finishing a masterpiece.

FAQs