NCERT Solutions for Class 10th: Ch 9 Bholi Footprints without Feet English
By K.A. Abbas
Page No: 54
Read and Find Out
Answer
Bholi’s father was worried about her as she had neither good looks nor intelligence. He did not know how he would find a suitable groom for her.
2. For what unusual reasons is Bholi sent to school?
Answer
Bholi is sent to school because there is little chance of her getting married, with her ugly face and lack of sense.
Page No: 55
Read and Find Out
1. Does Bholi enjoy her first day at school?
Answer
Yes, Bholi enjoys her first day at school as she was glad to find so many girls almost of her own age present there. She hoped that one of these girls might become her friend.
Answer
Page No: 58
Read and Find Out
1. Why do Bholi’s parents accept Bishamber’s marriage proposal?
Answer
Bholi's parents accept Bishamber's marriage proposal becsuse if they don't accept it, she would not be married for the rest of her life.
2. Why does the marriage not take place?
Answer
The marriage does not take place because the groom demanded dowry.
Page No: 62
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?
Answer
Bholi had many apprehensions about going to school. She remembered how their old cow, Lakshmi, had been turned out of the house and sold. When she got a clean dress, bathed and oil was rubbed into her dry hair,only then she felt that she was going to a better place than her home.
2. How did Bholi’s teacher play an important role in changing the course of her life?
Answer
Bholi's teacher played an important role in changing the course of her life. She was polite and friendly which touched her heart. She encouraged her every time and was affectionate towards her and said to Bholi to put her fears of not able to speak aside. The teacher transformed her into a confident person who could read, write and speak clearly.
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?
Answer
Bholi at first agreed to an unequal match because she was lucky to get a well-to-do bridegroom who owned a big shop, had a house of his own and had several thousand in the bank. Moreover, he was not asking for any dowry. Bholi also heard her mother saying that he did not know about her pock-marks and her lack of sense. If the proposal was not accept she might remain unmarried all her life. She later rejected the marriage because the bride groom demanded five thousand rupees as dowry. On seeing the father pleading and humiliated she decided not to marry him.
This tells us that she has self respect and knows what is right or wrong and is able to take a wise decision.
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?
Answer
The world Bholi means a simpleton. Throughout the story she had been a simpleton hardly expressing her opinion. The word Sulekha means the person with beautiful sense of letters. In this story this word has a larger meaning of being a literate, intelligent and mature individual. After her education Bholi has really changed to Sulekha and her assertion during marriage is her announcement to the world that she is no more a Bholi but Sulekha.
Summary for Bholi Class 10