👧 Class 10 English Chapter 9 – Bholi (Summary, Q&A, PDF)
Book: Footprints Without Feet
Chapter: 9 – Bholi
Author: K.A. Abbas
Board: CBSE Class 10 (2025)
✍️ Introduction
“Bholi” by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas (K.A. Abbas) is an inspiring story of a simple village girl who overcomes her fears, lack of confidence, and social rejection through education. It emphasizes the importance of self-respect and the transformative power of learning.
📖 Summary of the Chapter
Bholi, whose real name is Sulekha, was a physically weak and mentally slow girl due to a childhood accident and illness. She had pockmarks on her face from smallpox and could not speak properly. Because of this, everyone in her family and village looked down upon her.
While her brothers and sisters were treated well, Bholi was neglected. Her parents thought she was a burden and useless. But her life changed when she was admitted to school. Initially frightened, she found comfort in the kind words of her teacher, who encouraged her and helped her build confidence. For the first time, Bholi felt respected and valued.
Years later, her parents arranged her marriage to Bishamber, an old, greedy man who demanded dowry at the last moment. Bholi, now educated and confident, stood up for herself and refused the marriage, shocking everyone. She chose to stay unmarried and serve her parents and teach in the village school instead.
The story ends with Bholi transforming from a timid, neglected girl into a bold and self-respecting woman—showing how education can empower even the weakest.
🌟 Central Theme
The story focuses on themes of education, gender inequality, self-respect, and empowerment. It shows how societal expectations often suppress girls, and how education can change their lives for the better.
👤 Character Sketches
- Bholi (Sulekha): A timid, underconfident girl who becomes brave and self-respecting through education. She refuses to marry a greedy man and decides to live with dignity.
- Bholi’s Teacher: A kind, supportive woman who helps Bholi overcome her fear and inferiority complex. She represents the positive influence of a good educator.
- Bishamber Nath: An old, greedy man who tries to take advantage of Bholi's situation but is rejected by her for demanding dowry.
📚 Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pockmarks | Small scars left by disease like smallpox |
| Stammer | To speak with pauses and repetition due to nervousness |
| Inferior | Lower in quality or status |
| Dowry | Money or gifts given by the bride’s family to the groom |
| Compensation | Something given to make up for a loss |
❓ Important Questions and Answers
- Q1. Why was Bholi considered a burden by her family?
Ans: Because she was mentally slow, had a speech defect, and her face was disfigured with pockmarks. Her family thought she would never get married. - Q2. How did Bholi’s life change after going to school?
Ans: Her teacher encouraged her and gave her confidence. She started learning and gaining self-respect, which transformed her life completely. - Q3. Why did Bholi refuse to marry Bishamber?
Ans: Because he demanded dowry at the last moment and insulted her family. She realized her self-worth and refused to marry a greedy man. - Q4. What message does the story ‘Bholi’ convey?
Ans: The story conveys that education empowers girls and helps them fight injustice. It also highlights the evils of dowry and gender discrimination.
📥 Download PDF Notes
👉 Click here to download PDF of Bholi Notes
📌 Tags: Class 10 English Chapter 9, Bholi Summary, K.A. Abbas, CBSE 2025 English Notes, Bholi Character Sketch, ToppersNoteHub
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