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

This chapter tells how a shy girl called Bholi learns to speak up, gains self-respect through a kind teacher, and boldly refuses a greedy groom at her wedding, choosing education and dignity instead. It shows how fear turns into courage when someone believes in you—and how learning can set you free.​

Her real name is Sulekha, but everyone calls her Bholi, the “simpleton,” because she fell off a cot as a baby, got smallpox at two that left dark pock-marks, and began to stammer after age five, so children mocked her and she spoke very little. Her father, Ramlal, a prosperous farmer with seven children, worries because his other daughters are pretty and married, but Bholi has “neither good looks nor intelligence.” When a girls’ school opens and the Tehsildar tells Ramlal to set an example, the mother says, “Send Bholi,” thinking no one will marry her anyway. Bholi fears school like the day their cow Lakshmi was sold—“N-n-no”—but is bathed, given a clean hand-me-down dress, and taken to class, where bright wall pictures—horse, goat, parrot, cow—calm her. A gentle teacher smiles, “What’s your name, little one?” Bholi sobs, then tries: “Bh-Bho-…,” and with praise—“Well done”—finally says, “Bh-Bh-Bho-Bholi,” as if it’s a great win. The teacher gives a picture book, promises, “Come daily; you will speak without the slightest stammer; people will listen with respect,” and Bholi feels as if temple bells ring and trees bloom with red flowers—hope opens. Years pass; the village becomes a town with a high school, cinema shed, ginning mill, and a mail train stop. A rich grocer, Bishamber Nath, old and limping, with grown children, proposes; the mother says he asks no dowry, so they rush the match, hiding Bholi’s face under a red bridal veil. Yes, but when the veil is lifted, Bishamber sees the pock-marks and demands ₹5,000 or he will leave; Ramlal begs, even lays his turban—his izzat—and pays in tears. No, and as he lifts the marigold garland, Bholi’s eyes are steady; her hand flashes, the garland falls into the fire, and she says clearly, “Pitaji! Take back your money. I am not going to marry this man.” The guests whisper “shameless,” Ramlal cries about family honor, but Bholi answers, “For your izzat I was ready to marry this lame old man, but I will not take a mean, greedy coward,” turning to the aunt who called her a “dumb cow,” and declaring, “Now the stammering fool is speaking.” As the band stumbles into a closing tune and the crowd melts away, Ramlal fears no one will marry her; Bholi—now Sulekha—says calmly, “Don’t worry, Pitaji. I will serve you and Ma and teach in the same school where I learnt so much,” and the teacher watches with deep, quiet pride like an artist finishing a masterpiece.​

Characters:

Bholi/Sulekha: Shy, stammering girl who grows into a brave, self-respecting young woman choosing education over a bad marriage.​

Ramlal: Prosperous father torn between social izzat and his daughter’s future, weakened by pressure but loving at heart.​

Ramlal’s wife: Practical, harsh mother who values marriage security and hides Bholi’s scars to secure a match.​

The Teacher: Warm, encouraging guide who gives Bholi voice, confidence, and a path through learning.​

Bishamber Nath: Rich, older grocer who limps, demands ₹5,000 on seeing pock-marks, exposed as greedy and cowardly.​

Theme / Moral:

Kind words and education can turn fear into courage and silence into voice.​

True self-respect means saying no to injustice, even when society pressures you to accept it.​

class 10 bholi Hindi Summary

 क्या तुमने कभी सोचा है कि सबसे चुप लड़की भी एक दिन साफ, मजबूत आवाज़ में“नहीं” कह सकती है—और अपनी किस्मत खुद चुन सकती है?​

यह अध्याय बताता है कि कैसे एक शरमीली लड़की भोली अपनी दयालु शिक्षिका कीमदद से बोलना सीखती है, अपना आत्म-सम्मान पाती है, और शादी में लालची दूल्हे कोसाफ मना कर देती है, पढ़ाई और इज़्ज़त को चुनते हुए; यह दिखाता है कि जब कोई तुम परविश्वास करता है, तो डर हिम्मत में बदल जाता है, और सीखना तुम्हें आज़ाद कर सकता है.​

उसका असली नाम सुलेखा है, पर सब उसे भोली कहते हैं, “सीधी-सादी,” क्योंकि वहबचपन में खटिया से गिर पड़ी थी, दो साल की उम्र में उसे चेचक हो गया, जिससे चेहरे औरबदन पर गहरे दाग पड़ गए, और पाँच साल बाद बोलना शुरू किया तो हकलाहट आ गई; बच्चे मज़ाक उड़ाते, इसलिए वह बहुत कम बोलती थी. पिता रामलाल, खाते-पीते किसान, सात बच्चों के बाप, चिंता में थे—बाकी बेटियाँ सुंदर और शादीशुदा, पर भोली में “न अच्छेरूप न बुद्धि.” गाँव में कन्या पाठशाला

खुलती है; तहसीलदार कहते हैं, “बेटियों को स्कूल भेजो,” तो माँ कहती है, “भोली को भेजदो,” सोचकर कि उसका रिश्ता मिलना मुश्किल है. भोली डरती है—उसे याद है जब उनकीगाय लक्ष्मी बिकी थी—“न-न-नहीं,” पर उसे नहलाया जाता है, तेल लगाया जाता है, पुराना पर साफ कपड़ा पहनाकर कक्षा में बैठाया जाता है, जहाँ दीवारों के रंगीन चित्र—घोड़ा, बकरी, तोता, गाय—उसे शांति देते हैं. कोमल अध्यापिका मुस्कराकर पूछती हैं, “तुम्हारा नाम?” भोली रोती है, फिर कोशिश करती है: “भ-भो…,” और दुलार भरी शाबाशी—“बहुत अच्छा”—से आखिर कह पाती है, “भ-भ-भो—भोली,” जैसे कोई बड़ी जीत हो.शिक्षिका उसे चित्र-पुस्तक देती हैं, वादा करती हैं, “रोज आओ; तुम बिना ज़रा-सीहकलाहट के बोलोगी; लोग आदर से सुनेंगे,” और भोली को लगता है जैसे मंदिर की घंटियाँबज उठी हों, और पेड़ों पर लाल फूल खिल गए हों—उम्मीद जागती है. साल बीतते हैं; गाँवकस्बा बनता है—हाई स्कूल, टिन-शेड वाला सिनेमा, जिनिंग मिल, डाक ट्रेन का ठहराव.एक अमीर किराने वाला, बिशम्बर नाथ, उम्रदराज़ और लंगड़ा, जिसके बच्चे बड़े हैं, रिश्ताभेजता है; माँ कहती है दहेज नहीं माँगा, तो जल्दी तय हो जाता है, और शादी में लाल घूँघटमें भोली का चेहरा छिपा दिया जाता है. हाँ, लेकिन जैसे ही घूँघट हटता है, बिशम्बर चेचकके दाग देखता है और ₹5,000 मांगता है; रामलाल गिड़गिड़ाते हैं, यहाँ तक कि अपनीपगड़ी/इज़्ज़त उसके पैरों में रखते हैं, और रोते हुए पैसे दे देते हैं. नहीं, और जब वह गेंदे कीवरमाला उठाता है, भोली की आँखें अडिग हैं; उसका हाथ बिजली की तरह बढ़ता है, मालाआग में गिर जाती है, और वह साफ कहती है, “पिताजी! अपने पैसे वापस ले लीजिए. मैंइस आदमी से शादी नहीं करूँगी.” मेहमान फुसफुसाते हैं “बेशर्म,” रामलाल इज़्ज़त कीदुहाई देते हैं, पर भोली जवाब देती है, “आपकी इज़्ज़त के लिए मैं इस लँगड़े बूढ़े से तैयारथी, पर इतना घटिया और लालची कायर नहीं,” और उस बुआ की ओर मुड़कर जो उसे“गूंगी गाय” कहती रही, ठहरकर घोषित करती है, “अब हकलाने वाली बोल रही है.” बैंडसमापन धुन में उलझ जाता है, भीड़ छँटती है, रामलाल डरते हैं कि अब कोई शादी नहींकरेगा; भोली—अब सुलेखा—धीरे से कहती है, “चिंता मत करो, पिताजी. मैं आपको औरमाँ को सेवा दूँगी, और उसी स्कूल में पढ़ाऊँगी जहाँ मैंने इतना सीखा,” और दूर खड़ीशिक्षिका की आँखों में गहरी, शांत तसल्ली चमकती है, जैसे कोई कलाकार अपनी कृतिपूरी देखकर मुस्कराता है.​

चरित्र

• भोली/सुलेखा: शर्मीली, हकलाने वाली लड़की जो पढ़ाई और आत्म-सम्मान कीताकत से साहसी बनती है, और बुरा रिश्ता ठुकराती है.​
• रामलाल: खाते-पीते पिता, समाज की इज़्ज़त और बेटी के भविष्य के बीच फँसे, दबाव से टूटते हैं पर मन से स्नेही हैं.​
• रामलाल की पत्नी: सख्त और व्यावहारिक माँ, जो शादी की सुरक्षा को सबसे ऊपररखती है और दाग छिपाकर रिश्ता पक्का करना चाहती है.​
• अध्यापिका: नरमदिल, प्रोत्साहित करने वाली मार्गदर्शक, जो भोली को आवाज़, भरोसा और सीखने का रास्ता देती हैं.​
• बिशम्बर नाथ: अमीर, उम्रदराज़ किराने वाला, लंगड़ा, दाग देखकर ₹5,000 माँगनेवाला, लालची और कायर साबित होता है.​

थीम / शिक्षा

दयालु शब्द और शिक्षा डर को हिम्मत में बदलते हैं और चुप्पी को आवाज़ देते हैं.​

सच्चा आत्म-सम्मान वही है जो तुम्हें अन्याय के सामने “नहीं” कहने की ताकत देता है, चाहेसमाज कितना भी दबाव डाले.

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. Character sketch of Bholi.

Ans: Bholi (real name Sulekha) begins as a neglected, stammering child with pock-marks, mocked by others. A kind teacher nurtures her with praise, a picture book, and the promise of respect. The image of temple bells and red flowers shows her hope. Years later, when Bishamber demands ₹5,000, she stands firm, throws the garland into the fire, and says, “Pitaji! Take back your money. I am not going to marry this man.”She rejects a lame, greedy groom and chooses to serve her parents and teach. Bholi transforms into Sulekha, a confident, self-respecting woman who values education and dignity over social pressure and dowry.

Q2.Role of the teacher in changing Bholi’s life.

Ans; The teacher’s soft voice, “Well done,” and patient guidance remove Bholi’s fear. She gifts a picture book and assures, “People will listen to you with respect; you will speak without the slightest stammer.” This promise creates the imagery of temple bells ringing and red flowers blooming—Bholi’s inner awakening. With steady encouragement (“come to school every day”), Bholi gains fluency and confidence. In the climax, that foundation helps her refuse dowry and a greedy groom, speak clearly, and choose to teach. The teacher’s faith turns a “dumb cow” into a voice of dignity, fulfilling the “masterpiece” metaphor at the end.

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.

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