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Extra Questions of Bholi Class 10
By– K.A. Abbas
Bholi Author Class 10
Khwaja Ahmad Abbas was a famous Indian film director, novelist, screenwriter and a journalist in Urdu, Hindi, and English languages. He made movies like Saat Hindustani (1969) and Do Boond Pani (1974) that won the National Film award for best film on national integration. Abbas wrote the screenplays of some of Raj Kapoor’s best films such as Awaara, Shri 420, Mera Naam Joker, and Bobby. He was born in Panipat on June 7th 1914 and died on June1st 1987 at 72 years old.
Introduction of Bholi Class 10
Bholi was a slow learner who stammered and because of that, she fell from her cot when she was a child. She had to fight smallpox and became ugly. Her parents and even her siblings left her as they thought she was witless. An opening in her village gave her and other girls the opportunity to get an education, which changed their lives. The girl’s teacher was kind and courageous. Bholi eventually became confident enough to refuse a man who tried blackmailing her family for dowry.
(यह भोली नाम की छोटी सी लड़की की कहानी है जो मंद गति से सीखने और हकलाकार बोलने वाली थी I बचपन में वह चारपाई से गिर गई थी और उसके दिमाग का एक भाग विकृत हो गया था I उसकी सुंदरता चेचक की बीमारी ने छीन ली थी I उसे एक मंदबुद्धि समझ कर उसके माता-पिता, उसके भाइयों और बहनों के द्वारा भी उसकी अवहेलना की जाती थी I लेकिन उसके गांव में लड़कियों के लिए प्राथमिक विद्यालय खुलने से उसका जीवन बदल गया I उसकी अध्यापिका उसके प्रति बहुत दयालु और उत्साहवर्धक थी I उसने उसे विश्वास दिलाया I उसने उसे हकलाए बिना बोलना सिखाया I लड़की ने असंभव को संभव कर दिखाया I उसने विशंभर नाथ से शादी से इंकार करके नायिका का काम कर दिखाया जिसने उसके पिता जी से दहेज में पाँच हजार रूपये नगद माँगे थे I )
Theme of Bholi Class 10
Bholi is the story of a village girl who was discriminated as she had pock-marks on her face, stammered and was considered to be a simpleton. Bholi suffered an attack of smallpox when she was just two years old. She damaged a part of her brain when she fell off from the cot. Education transformed ‘a dumb cow’ into a fearless and courageous girl. First, she agreed to many an unequal match, Bishamber, just to maintain the honour of the family. Her father, Ramlal, put even his turban at the feet of the greedy bridegroom. He accepted to many a girl with pock-marks only after getting 5000 rupees as dowry. Bholi showed the courage of throwing away the ceremonial garland into the fire. She refused to have a mean, greedy and contemptible coward like Bishamber Nath as her husband.
Bholi Class 10 Word Meaning
[PAGE 54] : Expectations = hopes (आशाएं); simpleton = very simple (भोली/सादी); numberdar = an official who collects revenue (नंबरदार); fallen off = dropped (गिर जाना); cot = bed (चारपाई); damaged = injured (क्षतिग्रस्त); brain = mind (मस्तिष्क/दिमाग); remained = to continue (रहना); backward = retarted (पिछड़ा हुआ); pretty = beautiful (सुंदर); attack = to assault (आक्रमण); small-pox = a disease (चेचक का रोग); entire = complete (समूचा/सम्पूर्ण); permanently = for ever (स्थाई रूप से); disfigured = made ugly (कुरूप बना दिया); pock-marks = marks left by smallpox (चेचक के निशान); stammered = spoke with halts (हकलाकर बोलना); mimicked = imitated (नकल करना); youngest = smallest in age (सबसे छोटी); prosperous = rich (संपन्न); plenty = very much (बहुत अधिक)); except = leaving aside (सिवाय); strong= powerful (शक्तिशाली); settled = fixed (तय हो जाना); bridegrooms = male matches (दूल्हा); worried = anxious (चिंतित); intelligence = brilliance (प्रतिभा) I Simpleton— quite simple, not very clever, Cot— bed, lied, Damaged—injured, Backward— mental not wise, Disfigured— made ugly, Pretty—beautiful fair— fair complexioned, Pockmarks— marks of smallpox, Entire— completely, Stammered— stuttered, Mimicked— aped, imitated, copied Prosperous— well off, Household— family, Settled— fixed, Plenty— a lot of, Bridegrooms— male matches,
[PAGE 55] : Perform = to carry out (संपन्न करना); ceremony = religious rites (उत्सव); revenue = state’s income (राजस्व); representative = a member of the group (प्रतिनिधि); consulted = to ask advice of (परामर्श किया); crazy = mad (पागल); frightened = scared (भयभीत)
[PAGE 56] : Shouted = cried (चिल्लाया); terror = dread (भय); grip = hold (पकड़); decent = nice (बढ़िया); passed on = sent forward (आगे भेज देना); cared have folds (सिकुड़ जाना); matted = entangled (उलझे हुए); squatted = sat on the heels (पालथी मारकर बैठना) I
[PAGE 57] : Exactly = accurately (सही रूप); glad = happy (प्रसन्न); almost = nearly (लगभग); present = existing now (उपस्थित); hoped = desired (आशा की); understand = to know (समझना); fascinated = attracted (आकर्षित होना); orchard = garden (बगीचा); noticed = observed (देखा); smiling = laughing slightly (मुस्कुराना); flowed = to run as a stream (बहना); scurried = hurried out (तेजी से बाहर आना); sobbing = weeping in suppressed manner (सुबकते हुए); soothing = be calming (सुहावनी); command = order (आदेश); sweat = perspiration (पसीना); disgrace = humiliate (अपमान); decided = took decision (निर्णय लिया); effort = attempt (प्रयास); encouraged = urged (हौंसला दिया); relieved = got free (मुक्त होना); achievement = attainment (उपलब्धि); patted = stroked (थपथपाना); affectionately = lovingly (प्यार से) I Fascinated— attracted, Orchard— a small garden, Scurried— hurried out, Sobbing— weeping with sobs, Soothing— comforting, Sweat—perspiration, Encouraged— urged, motivated, Command— order, Suggestion— advice, Disgraced — (here) insulted, Relieved— felt free, Achievement— attainment Patted— gave mild strokes, Affectionately—with love,
[PAGE 58] : Nodded = shook the head (सिर हिलाना); astonished = surprised (हैरान); slightest = least (हल्का-सा/थोड़ा-सा); blossomed = put forth flowers (फूल खिल जाना); throbbing = pulsating (धड़कते हुए); ginning = separating raw cotton from its seeds (रुई धुनना); limps = walks lamely (लंगड़ाता है) Nodded— shook her head, Astonished— greatly surprised, Slightest—very little Blossomed— became flowers, Throbbing— pounding, pulsating, Ginning— separating cotton from the seeds, Well-to-do—prosperous, Limps— walks limpingly,
[PAGE 59] : Proposal = scheme (प्रस्ताव); witless = foolish (मूर्ख,तर्कहीन); muttered = spoke slowly (बुड़बुड़ाया); courtyard = an enclosure before a house (आंगन); conversation = personal talk (बातचीत); procession = a group of persons moving forward (जुलूस); decorated = adorned (सजाया हुआ); overjoyed = too much happy (अत्यधिक प्रसन्न); pomp = splendour (शान-शौकत); splendour = grandeur (शान); grand = great (विशाल); occasion =chance (अवसर); envious = jealous (ईर्ष्यालु); auspicious= pious (पवित्र); clad in =dressed in (पहने हुए); prompted = urged (आग्रह किया); veil = mask (घूंघट); glance = look (देखना); poised = held in balance (साधा); humiliate = downcast (अपमानित करना); considerate = regard for others (विचारशील); streaming = flowing (बहना) IWhat does it matter — how does it affect?, Witless— foolish, Dumb cow— like a cow that can’t speak, Muttered— murmured, Grocer— one who sells household things, Whispered— spoken in low tone, Pomp— great show, Splendour— grand, Prompted— (here) encouraged, Auspicious—fortunate, Marigolds – yellow flowers,Veil— (here) covering of the face, Poised— (here) stopped for a moment, Humiliate— insult, Considerate–keep regard, Streaming— flowing down,
[PAGE 60] : Triumphant = victorious (विजयी); gambled = played a game of chance for money (जुआ खेला); announced = declared (घोषणा की); straight = direct (सीधे); prospective = would be (होने वाला); contempt = hatred (घृणा); struck out = hit out (टकराना); streak = a long irregular line of colour (धारा/रेखा); startled = amazed (चकित)
[PAGE 61] : Thunderstruck = amazed (चकित); contemptible = hateful (घृणित) ; coward = fearful person (कायर); dumb = unable to speak (गूंगी); confused = bewildered (घबराए हुए); ceremony = a religious observance (रस्म); rooted = fixed to the ground (जड़ हो जाना); grief = sorrow (दु:ख); sacred = pious (पवित्र); steady = firm (दृढ़); satisfaction = gratification (पूर्ण होना); contemplates = meditates (विचार करना); completion = accomplishment (पूर्ण होना); masterpiece = a piece of highest workmanship (सर्वोत्तम कलाकृति) I
Bholi Class 10 Summary
1.Bholi, the Simpleton: Bholi was the fourth daughter of Numberdar Ramlal. She had fallen off the cot when she was just ten months old. Perhaps some part of her brain was damaged. Out of all children, only she remained backwards. Therefore she was called Bholi, the simpleton.
2. Pock-marks All Over the Body: At birth, Bholi was very fair and pretty. When she was two years old, she had an attack of smallpox. Her eyes were saved but her entire body was disfigured. She had deep black pock-marks all over the body. Little Sulekha (Bholi) learnt how to speak at five. She stammered. Children often made fun of her. So, Bholi talked very little.
3. Seven Children in the Family: Ramlal had seven children–three sons and four daughters. Bholi was the youngest. It was a prosperous family. There was plenty to eat and drink.
Every child was healthy except Bholi. The sons were sent to study in the city. Radha was already married. Mangla’s marriage had been fixed. The third one was Champa. All the girls except Bholi were good looking and healthy. There was no difficulty in marrying them. Ramlal was worried about Bholi. She had neither good looks nor intelligence.
4. Bholi at Village School: A primary school was opened in the village. The `Tehsildar came to perform its opening ceremony. He asked Ramlal to set an example and send all his daughters to school. He had no courage to disobey the Tehsildar. The next day, he caught Bholi by the hand and took her to school. She was frightened and shouted in terror. Bholi was lucky to receive a clean dress that no longer fitted Champa. She was bathed and oil was rubbed in her malty hair. Bholi now began to think that school was a better place than home.
5. Kind-hearted Teacher: Bholi was glad to find so many girls there. They were almost her age. She hoped that one of these girls might become her friend. Bholi was impressed by the pictures of birds and mammals on the wall. The teacher came to her and asked for her name. She stammered again and again but could not pronounce her full name. The teacher encouraged her. She decided to make another effort. And this time she succeeded in pronouncing her full name. “Bh-Bh-Bho —Bholi.” The teacher patted her affectionately. She assured her that she would be able to speak like everyone else soon. She asked her to come to school every day. She said. “Ye-Ye-Yes.” Bholi was herself surprised that she had been able to say this. The teacher assured her that within a month she would be able to read the picture book. In time, she would be more learned than anyone else in the village. Then no-one would be able to laugh at her. Bholi’s heart was throbbing with new hope and a new life.
6. Bholi’s Marriage Plan: At last, an offer came from a well-to-do bridegroom for Bholi. He had a big shop, a house of his own and several thousand in the bank. He was not asking for dowry. The bridegroom was almost the age of Bholi’s father and he also limped. The children from his first wife were quite grown up. These things didn’t matter to Bholi’s parents. They were happy that she was, at least, going to be married.
7. Bholi’s Wedding Day: Bishamber Nath, the bridegroom of Bholi, was a prosperous grocer. He came with a big party of friends and relatives. A brass band was playing a popular filmy tune. Ramlal was overjoyed to see such pomp and splendour. Bholi’s elder sisters were jealous of her luck.
8. Garlanding and a Quick Glance of Bholi: The bridegroom lifted the garland of yellow marigolds. A woman slipped back the silken veil of Bholi. Bishamber took a quick glance. The garland remained poised in his hands. He cried that she had pock-marks on her face. If he was to marry her, her father must give him 5000 rupees as dowry Ramlal placed his turban at Bishamber’s feet. He was ready to pay two thousand rupees. The bridegroom didn’t budge from 5000. At last, Ramlal went in and opened the safe and counted the notes. He placed the bundle of notes on Bishamber’s feet. The greedy Bishamber had a triumphant smile on his face. He was ready to garland the bride.
9. Bholi Threw Away the Marriage Garland into the Fire: Before Bishamber could garland her, Bholi’s hand struck out like a streak of lightning and the garland was flung into the fire. She got up and threw away the veil. All her relatives and her parents were stunned to hear her speak without stammering. Bholi asked her father to take the money back. Ramlal called her crazy and she wanted to disgrace the family. Bholi replied that she would not have such a mean, and greedy man as her husband. Bishamber Nath started to go back to his party. Ramlal turned to Bholi and asked what she would do as no one would ever marry her. Sulekha (Bholi) said in a firm voice that they didn’t need to worry about her. She would serve her father and mother in their old age. She would teach in the same school where she had learnt so much. Bholi’s teacher had been watching the drama standing in a corner. She said, “Yes Bholi, of course”.
Bholi Class 10th Summary
Ramlal was the Numberdar of the village. He had four daughters and three sons. All his children were very healthy but his youngest daughter Sulekha was a backward child. When she was ten months old she fell down from the cot and a pan of her brain was damaged.
When she was two years old she had an attack of smallpox. Her face was permanently disfigured by deep black pock-marks. She started speaking at the age of five years but she stammered. So everyone called her Bholi.
She was considered as a witless fool even by her parents, her sisters and her brothers. None cared for her. Ramlars eldest daughter Radha had already been married. The second daughter Mangla’s marriage had also been settled. Ramlal was worried only about Bholi.
A primary school for girls was opened in the village. The Tehsildar sahib came to perform its opening ceremony. He asked Ramlal to set an example before the village by sending his daughters to school. Both Ramlal and his wife were not in favour of girl education but Ramlal had not the courage to disobey the Tehsildar. So they decided to send Bholi to school.
The next day Ramlal asked Bholi to go to school with him. ‘Bholi did not know anything about school. She was frightened. She refused to go anywhere.
Ramlal asked his wife to give some decent clothes to Bholi. New clothes had never been made for Bholi but that day she was lucky to receive a clean dress. She was even bathed and oil was rubbed into her dry and matted hair. She thought that she was being taken to a place better than her house.
When they reached the school, Bholi saw many girls of her age sitting in the rooms. The headmistress asked Bholi to sit down in a corner in one of the classrooms. The lady teacher in the class was very good. The teacher asked her about her name but she could not speak her full name. She began to weep.
When the school was off for the day the teacher asked Bholi to come also the next day and Bholi nodded. Bholi became familiar to the teacher. The teacher drove out her sense of fear. Now she began to speak without stammering a little.
Now, Bholi was grown up. She had passed many classes. Her father got a marriage proposal for her from Bishamber who was a rich grocer from the neighbouring village. He was about fifty years old. He walked with limbs. He had children also from his earlier wife. Ramlal accepted the proposal and asked Bishamber to come with baraat.
Bishamber came with great pomp and show for the wedding. Everybody was joyful. All the friends and relatives of Ramlal and Bishamber were present there. Bholi dressed in red was brought there. When Bishamber was about to put the garland around Bholi’s neck, a lady pulled back Bholi’s veil.
Bishamber saw Bholi’s face covered with pock-marks. He refused to many her. After many requests but he agreed to put a condition that he would marry Bholi only when Ramlal would give him five thousand rupees.
Ramlal put the bundle of five thousand rupees on Bishamber’s feet. Bishamber was feeling victorious. He raised the garland to place it around the bride’s neck but Bholi struck the garland away. Bholi said that she would not marry such a mean, greedy and coward person. The baraat was returned empty handed without a bride.
Ramlal was full of grief and shame. Bholi consoled her father that she would serve them in their old age and she said that she would teach in the same school where she got the education.
Main Points of the Story – Bholi
- Bholi was the youngest daughter of Ramlal.
- She damaged a part of her brain when she fell off from her cot just when she was ten months old.
- When she was two years old, she had an attack of smallpox.
- A fair and pretty child was disfigured with pock-marks.
- Bholi was thought to be a simpleton and a backward child who stammered while speaking.
- All other daughters of Ramlal were good looking and healthy.
- Ramlal was worried about Bholi as she had neither good looks nor intelligence.
- The `Tehsildar’ inaugurated a primary school for girls in the village.
- He asked `Numberdar’ Ramlal to set an example before the villagers by sending all his daughters to school.
- Ramlal couldn’t disobey the Tehsildar and it was decided to send Bholi to school.
- Bholi was bathed, oil was rubbed into her malty hair and she was given a clean dress that no more fitted Champa.
- Then Bholi started to think that school was a better place than home.
- At school, Bholi was pleased to see so many girls of her age and hoped to befriend one of them.
- The teacher asked her name but she couldn’t pronounce it.
- Bholi was ashamed that even after so many efforts, she couldn’t pronounce her name.
- The teacher was very friendly and sympathetic and encouraged her to try again.
- At last, Bholi succeeded in saying Th-Bh-Bho-Bholi” and the teacher patted her for her success.
- The teacher assured her that very soon she would start speaking like all others, without stammering.
- She gave a picture book to Bholi and hoped that she would finish it within a month.
- The teacher encouraged and assured Bholi that she would be the most learned girl in the whole village.
- An offer for marriage came from a prosperous grocer, Bishamber, for Bholi.
- The bridegroom was rich, had his own house and thousands of rupees in the bank.
- The bridegroom was almost of the same age as of her father and he limped. He had also grown-up children from his first wife.
- Bholi reluctantly agreed for marriage just to keep the ‘honour’ of her family.
- On the wedding day, Bishamber came with a large party of friends and relatives.
- When Bishamber was ready to garland Bholi, he happened to see her face suddenly.
- He cried that he would not many a girl with pock-marks.
- Ramlal put his turban at his feet, but he was not moved.
- At last, he agreed to marry Bholi, if her father gave him 5000 rupees as dowry.
- In the end, Ramlal went inside and came out with a bundle of notes and put it at the feet of the bridegroom.
- When Bishamber was about to garland Bholi, she snatched the garland and threw it away into the fire.
- She spoke that she would not many a mean, greedy and a coward like Bishamber.
- Everyone including her parents was stunned to hear Bholi speaking all this without stammering.
- Ramlal called her crazy and asked what she would do as no one would ever marry her.
- Bholi replied that she would serve her parents in their old age and teach in the same school from where she had learnt so much.
- Her teacher was seeing the whole drama standing in a corner, agreed with Bholi and said. “Yes, Bholi, of course.
Class 10 English Bholi Summary in Hindi
रामलाल गांव का नंबरदार था I उसकी चार बेटियां और तीन बेटे थे I उसके सभी बच्चे बहुत स्वस्थ थे लेकिन उसकी सबसे छोटी बेटी सुलेखा पिछड़ी हुई बच्ची थी I जब वह दस महीने की थी वह चारपाई से नीचे गिर गई थी और उसके दिमाग का एक हिस्सा क्षतिग्रस्त हो गया था I
जब वह दो वर्ष की थी तो उसे चेचक की बीमारी का प्रकोप हो गया I उसका चेहरा चेचक के गहरे काले दागों के कारण स्थाई रूप से कुरूप हो गया I उसने 5 वर्ष की आयु में बोलना शुरू किया लेकिन वह हकलाकार बोलती थी I इसलिए सभी उसे भोली कहने लगे I
यहां तक कि उसके माता-पिता, उसकी बहनें और उसके भाई भी उसे मंदबुद्धि मानते थे I कोई भी उसकी देखभाल नहीं करता था I रामलाल की सबसे बड़ी बेटी राधा की पहले ही शादी हो चुकी थी I दूसरी बेटी मंगला की शादी तय हो चुकी थी I रामलाल केवल भोली के बारे में चिंतित था I
गांव में लड़कियों के लिए प्राथमिक विद्यालय खुला I इसके उद्घाटन समारोह पर तहसीलदार साहब आए थे I उसने रामलाल से कहा कि वह अपनी बेटियों को स्कूल भेजकर गांव के सामने एक उदाहरण प्रस्तुत करें I रामलाल और उसकी पत्नी दोनों लड़कियों को पढ़ाने के पक्ष में नहीं थे लेकिन रामलाल में तहसीलदार की बात को न मानने का साहस नहीं था I इसलिए उसने भोली को स्कूल भेजने का निर्णय लिया I
अगले दिन रामलाल ने भोली को अपने साथ स्कूल जाने के लिए कहा I भोली स्कूल के बारे में कुछ भी नहीं जानती थी I वह डरी हुई थी I उसने कहीं भी जाने से मना कर दिया I
रामलाल ने अपनी पत्नी को भोली को कुछ सुंदर वस्त्र देने के लिए कहा I कभी भी भोली के लिए नए वस्त्र नहीं बनवाए गए थे लेकिन उस दिन वह एक साफ-सुथरी पोशाक पहनकर भाग्यशाली लग रही थी I यहां तक कि उसे स्नान करवाया गया और उसके सूखे बालों में तेल भी लगाया गया I उसने सोचा कि उसे अपने घर से अच्छे किसी स्थान पर ले जाया जा रहा था I
जब वे स्कूल पहुंचे, भोली ने कमरों में अपनी आयु की लड़कियों को बैठे हुए देखा I मुख्याध्यापिका ने भोली को कक्षा के एक कमरे में एक कोने में बैठ जाने के लिए कहा I कक्षा में जो महिला अध्यापक थी वह बहुत अच्छी थी I अध्यापिका ने उससे उसका नाम पूछा लेकिन वह अपना पूरा नाम नहीं बोल सकी I उसने रोना शुरू कर दिया I
जब दिन के लिए स्कूल की छुट्टी हो गई, अध्यापिका ने भोली को अगले दिन भी स्कूल आने के लिए कहा और भोली ने हाँ में सिर हिला दिया I भोली को अध्यापिका से लगाव हो गया I अध्यापिका ने उसके अंदर से डर की भावना को बाहर निकाल दिया I अब उसने जरा भी हकलाए बिना बोलना शुरू कर दिया था I
अब भोली बड़ी हो गई थी I उसने कई कक्षाएं पास कर ली थीं I उसके पिता को विशंवर, जोकि पास के गांव में एक समृद्ध पंसारी था, की ओर से भोली के साथ शादी का प्रस्ताव मिला I वह लगभग पचास वर्ष का था I वह लंगड़ाकर चलता था I उसकी पहली पत्नी से बच्चे भी थे I रामलाल ने शादी के प्रस्ताव को स्वीकार कर लिया और बिंशबर से बरात लेकर आने को कहा I
बिशंभर शादी के लिए खूब शानो-शौकत के साथ आया I सभी प्रसन्न थे I रामलाल और बिंशबर के सभी मित्र और रिश्तेदार वहां उपस्थित थे I लाल रंग के वस्त्र पहने भोली वहां लाई गई I जब विशंभर भोली की गले में हार डालने वाला था, एक महिला ने भोली के घूंघट को पीछे सरका दिया I
बिशंभर ने चेचक के दागों से भरे भोली के चेहरे को देखा I उसने उसके साथ शादी करने से मना कर दिया I अनेक प्रार्थनाओं के पश्चात उसने यह शर्त रख दी कि वह भोली के साथ तभी शादी करेगा यदि उसका पिता उसे पाँच हज़ार रूपए नगद देगा I
रामलाल ने पाँच हज़ार रुपये का बंडल बिशंबर के कदमों में रख दिया विशंबर विजयी अनुभव कर रहा था I उसने दुल्हन के गले में डालने के लिए माला उठाई लेकिन भोली ने माला को टकराकर दूर गिरा दिया I भोली ने कहा कि वह ऐसे कमीने, लालची और कायर के साथ शादी नहीं करेगी I बारात दुल्हन के बिना खाली हाथ लौट गई I
रामलाल दु:ख और शर्म से पीड़ित था I भोली ने अपने पिता को सांत्वना दी कि वह वृद्धावस्था में उनकी सेवा करेगी और उसने कहा कि वह उसी स्कूल में पढ़ाया करेगी जिसमें उसने शिक्षा प्राप्त की थी I
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS – Bholi
1.What was Bholi’s real name?
(A) Champa (B) Radha
(C) Mangla (D) Sulekha
Ans. (D) Sulekha
2. What was the name of Bholi’s father?
(A) Ramlal (B) Krishanlal
(C) Hiralal (D) Murarilal
Ans. (A) Ramlal
3. How many daughters did Ramlal have?
(A) one (B) two
(C) three (D) four
Ans. (D) four
4. Which post did Ramlal hold in the village?
(A) Sarpanch (B) Numberdar
(C) Tehsildar (D) Headmaster
Ans. (B) Numberdar
5. How many children did Ramlal have?
(A) four (B) five
(C) six (D) seven
Ans. (D) seven
6. What was wrong with Sulekha?
(A) she had black pock-marks on
(B) she was a backward child her face
(C) she spoke with halts
(D) all of the above
Ans. (D) all of the above
7. At what age did Bholi begin to speak?
(A) three (B) four
(C) five (D) six
Ans. (C) five
8. Who was Ramlal’s eldest daughter?
(A) Radha (B) Mangla
(C) Champa (D) Sulekha
Ans. (A) Radha
9. Why did Tehsildar come to Ramlal’s village?
(A) to perform the opening ceremony of the girl’s school
(B) to attend Radha’s wedding
(C) to meet the village people
(D) all of the above
Ans. (A) to perform the opening ceremony of the girl’s school
10. Ramlal was the ………….official of the village.
(A) administrative (B) revenue
(C) police (D) education
Ans. (B) revenue
11. What did the Tehsildar urge Ramlal about his daughters?
(A) send them to school (B) marry them soon
(C) send them to the city (D) all of the above
Ans. (A) send them to school
12. Of the four daughters of Ramlal, who was sent to school?
(A) Radha (B) Mangla
(C) Champa (D) Bholi
Ans. (B) Bholi
13. How was Bholi treated in the family?
(A) she was not given new clothes
(B) none cared to wash her clothes
(C) none cared to comb her hair
(D) all of the above
Ans. (D) all of the above
14. What was Bholi’s reaction when Ramlal ask her to go to school for the first time?
(A) she was not given new clothes
(B) I she was excited
(C) she cried with fear
(D) none of the above
Ans. (C) she cried with fear
15. Who was Lakshmi?
(A) Bholi’s mother (B) Bholi’s cow
(C) Bholi’s teacher (D) Bholi’s classmate
Ans. (B) Bholi’s cow
16. Which picture did Bholi see on the school wall?
(A) parrot (B) cow
(C) goat (D) all of the above
Ans. (D) all of the above
17. How did Bholi find the teacher on her very first day in the school?
(A) cruel (B) hard
(C) kind and loving (D) all of the above
Ans. (C) kind and loving
18. Who came to marry Bholi?
(A) Bishamber Nath (B) Hari Nath
(C) Pran Nath (D) Deena Nath
Ans. (A) Bishamber Nath
19. What did Bishamber demand as dowry?
(A) two thousand rupees (B) five thousand rupees
(C) ten thousand rupees (D) twenty thousand rupees
Ans. (B) five thousand rupees
20. Who is the real artist in the story ‘Bholi’?
(A) the teacher (B) Ramlal
(C) Bholi (D) Bishamber Nath
Ans. (A) the teacher
21. Who is the author of the lesson’Bholi?
(A) Guy de Maupassant (B) Claire Boika
(C) K.A. Abbas (D) Sinclair Lewis
Ans. (C) K.A. Abbas
Main Characters of the Story- Bholi
1.Bholi
- Thought to be a simpleton
- Had pock-marks over the body
- Went to school; teacher encouraged her
- Refused to many a greedy and mean person
- Decided to serve old parents and teach in the same school.
2. Ramlal
- Father of seven children
- Worried about Bholi, neither good looking nor intelligent
- Overlooked Bishamber’s age and limping
- Suffered from a false sense of honour
3. The Teacher
- Kind and sympathetic
- Encouraged Bholi to speak
- Increased Bholi’s interest in books
- Agreed to accept Bholi as a teacher in the same school.
Extract Based / comprehension test Questions and Answers of Bholi
Read the extracts given below carefully and answer the questions that follow:
1. Ramlal was overjoyed to see such pomp and splendour. He had never dreamt that his fourth daughter would have such a grand wedding. Bholi’s elder sisters who had come for the occasion were envious of her luck.
(a) Whose marriage is referred to here?
(b) What had Ramlal never expected?
(c) Why were Bholi’s elder sisters envious of her luck?
(d) How was the marriage procession of Bholi?
Ans. (a) Bholi’s marriage is referred to here.
(b) Ramlal had never expected such pomp, splendour and a grand wedding.
(c) Her elder sisters were envious of her grand wedding.
(d) The marriage procession came with great pomp and show. Everyone expected marriage to be grand.
2. Bishamber raised the garland to place it around the bride’s neck; but before he could do so, Bholi’s hand struck out like a streak of lightning and the garland was flung into the fire. She got up and threw away the veil.
(a) What did Bholi do?
(b) Why did she do it?
(c) Why did Bholi at first agree to an unequal match?
(d) Later, she rejected the marriage. What does this tell us about her?
Ans. (a) Bholi suddenly stood up and threw away the garland into the fire.
(b) Because she did not agree to the condition of Bishamber of five thousand rupees.
(c) This was because; she never wanted to add to the worries of her parents by her refusal.
(d) Her behaviours reflected that she was no longer a timid, tame, dumb-driven cow but a bold, confident and self-respecting girl.
3. “What’s the matter with you, you fool?” shouted Ramlal. “I am only taking you to school.” Then he told his wife, “Let her wear some decent clothes today, or else what will the teacher and the other school girls think of us when they see her?”
(a) Who is speaking and to whom?
(b) What did he want his wife to do?
(c) Why was Bholi scared to go to school?
(d) What made her feel that she was going to a better place than her home?
Ans. (a) Ramlal is speaking to Bholi.
(1)) He wanted his wife to get Bholi ready for the school.
(c) Bholi did not know what a school was like. Actually, she had no idea of a school.
(d) When, she was given a bath, decent clothes to wear, her hair was oiled and combed, she thought so.
4.”When the school bell rang, all the girls scurried out of the classroom, but Bholi dared not leave her corner. Her head still lowered, she kept on sobbing.”
(a) Why didn’t Bholi dare to come out of her classroom?
(b) How many children did Ramlal have?
(c) Why was Bholi sobbing?
(d) Why do you think she finds her teacher different from the people at home?
Ans. (a) Bholi did not dare to come out of her classroom because it was her first day in school. Also, she had a complex that other girls would laugh at her for stammering.
(b) Seven.
(c) She had an inferiority complex as other girls were laughing at her for stammering.
(d) The soft, sweet, soothing voice, sympathetic and encouraging behaviour of her teacher made him much different from the people heat home.
5. That was why she remained a backward child and came to he was known as Bholi, the simpleton.
(a) Who is being described here?
(b) Why did she remain a ‘backward’ child?
(c) Who was Bholi?
(d) What was the real name of Bholi?
Ans. (a) Selecta or Bholi.
(b) When she was ten months old, she had fallen off the cot on her head, which had perhaps damaged some part of her brain.
(c) Bholi was the fourth daughter of Numberdar Ramlal.
(d) Selecta.
6. Left alone, the poor girl looked about her with fear-laden There were several rooms, and in each room girls like her squatted on mats, reading from books or writing on slates.
(a) Which place is described here?
(b) Who is the ‘poor girl’?
(c) Why does the girl look around with fear-laden eyes?
(d) What was Bholi’s reaction when her father asked her to come with him to school?
Ans. (a) The school to which Bholi is taken to by her father is described here.
(b) Selecta i.e., Bholi is the `poor girl’.
(c) She looked so because it was the first time she was being taken to a place away from home.
(d) She was afraid. She had no idea of a school.
7. For the sake of this kind woman, however, she decided to make an effort. She had such a soothing voice; she would not laugh at her.
(a) Who was the kind woman?
(b) What idea do you form about this woman?
(c) Was her approach effective?
(d) Why do you think Bholi’s teacher played an important role in changing her life?
Ans. (a) The teacher of Bholi.
(b) The teacher spoke in a soft voice knowing that Bholi was in fear. She wanted to give confidence to stammering Bholi.
(c) Yes, it proved to be very effective for Bholi.
(d) Bholi’s teacher made her confident, daring and self-respecting person who had the courage to refuse to marry a lame and greedy old man.
Short Answer Type Important Questions – Bholi
1.” God cannot be everywhere, so he created Mothers”. Do you think Bholi’s mother complies with this statement? Give at least three reasons supporting your answer.
Ans. Bholi’s mother does not comply with this statement- Following are the reasons for it:
(i)Bholi’s mother never took care of her — neither in childhood or in young age,
(ii) She was not concerned even about her studies or clothing.
(iii) She did not bother about Bholi’s groom. Whether he was an aged person or a greedy one, whether he will honour her daughter or keep her as a slave in his house.
2. What were the two steps taken by Ramlal to persuade Bishamber to marry Bholi?
Ans. Ramlal persuaded Bishamber to marry Bholi by giving him the dowry of five thousand rupees.
3. Describe Bholi’s feelings when her teacher assured to make her the most learned in her village.
Ans. Bholi was sent to school because the Tehsildar compelled Ramlal to send one of his daughters to school, so that it may prove a role model for other girls. She was a slow learner and stammered while speaking and all the children in the school made fun of her. But her teacher encouraged her and made all efforts to make her the most learned in her village. She was impressed by her soft and soothing voice. She felt comfortable and stopped stammering. Now she was full of confidence and learned all the syllabus taught by her teacher.
4. Give two points to demonstrate that Bholi’s wedding was a grand one.
Ans. Bholi’s marriage was fixed with Bishamber who had a big shop, his own house and several thousand in the bank. It was a grand marriage. A brass-band playing a popular tune from an Indian film headed the procession. Secondly, the bridegroom was riding on a decorated horse. He came there with a big party of friends and relatives which looked like a procession.
5. What two actions did Bholi take to stop her marriage to Bishamber?
Ans. Bholi’s marriage was going to take place with Bishamber who himself was forty-five or fifty years old. He also limped and had two children from his first wife. Even then he demanded 5000 rupees as dowry. Bholi stopped the marriage by throwing away the garland in the fire. She threw away the veil and asked her father to take back the money and refused to marry Bishamber.
6. How did Bholi console her father in the end?
Ans. Bholi consoled her father that even if she did not get married, she would take care of her parents in their old age. She also tells them that she would teach in the same school where she had learnt so much.
7. Draw a conclusion as to why Bholi’s teacher felt like an artist admiring her masterpiece.
Ans. Bholi’s teacher felt like an artist admiring her masterpiece, when she realized how her soothing words, education, and motivation gave confidence to Bholi to face the world and transformed her from a girl who was unsure about herself and a backward child, to a bold and confident girl.
8. What did the Tehsildar suggest to Ramlal?
Ans. The Tehsildar had come to the village to open the first primary school for girls. He told Ramlal that as a revenue official he is the representative of the government in the village, and so should set an example for the villagers by sending his daughters to school.
9. Why do you think Bholi is called Selecta just at the end of a story?
Or
Why was Selecta nicknamed Bholi?
10. Everyone’s first day at school is generally filled with fun, joy and happiness. How was Bholi’s first day at school?
Ans. The teacher gave her a book having colourful pictures of animals. With every picture was a word in big black letters. The teacher told her that she would be able to read that book in a month. Then she would give her a bigger book. She liked the book very much. Thus she enjoyed her first day in school.
11. How was Bholi different from the other children at home?
Ans. When Bholi was 10 months old, she fell from a cot. This damaged a part of her brain and affected her intelligence. She became a slow learner, a retarded child. So, she was called Bholi’, a simpleton. When she was two years old, she had an attack of smallpox that left pockmarks on her face and she looked ugly. Rest of her brothers and sisters were normal.
12. What idea do you form of Ramlal’s personality?
Ans. Ramlal was the revenue officer of the village. He was a prosperous farmer and had seven children. He was orthodox. He did not believe in the ideology of sending girls to school as it would be difficult to find a good match for them. He wanted to get rid of Bholi as she was ugly and not intelligent.
Q13. Describe two accidents that had disfigured Bholi and made her a backward child.
Ans. At birth, Bholi was very fair and pretty. When she was two years old, she had an attack of smallpox. Her entire body was permanently disfigured with deep pock-marks. When she was just ten months old, she fell off her cot. Perhaps a part of her brain was damaged. It made her a backward child. She learnt to speak at the age of five and stammered while speaking.
Q14.Was Ramlal happy to send Bholi to school? If not, why did he send her there?
Ans.No girl in the family had ever gone to school. Bholi’s mother believed if they sent their daughters to school, then no one would marry them. But an unexpected thing happened. The Tehsildar who inaugurated the first girl school in the village asked Ramlal to set an example before the villagers. He must send his daughters to school. Ramlal couldn’t afford to disobey the Tehsildar. So, Bholi was sent to school.
Q15. Why was Bholi frightened to go to school?
Ans.No girl in the family had ever gone to school. The next day, when Ramlal held her hand to take her to school, Bholi was frightened. She did not know what school was. She thought that perhaps her parents were punishing her by sending her to school. So, she cried in terror and pulled her hand away from her father’s grip.
Q16.What preparations were made to send Bholi to school? When did she begin to think that school was a better place than her home?
Ans. Ramlal asked his wife to arrange some decent clothes for Bholi. He didn’t want the teachers and other school girls to make any bad image of the family. Therefore, Bholi was lucky to get a clean dress that didn’t fit Champa. Bholi was bathed. Oil was rubbed into her dry and matted hair. Only then Bholi began to think that she was going to a better place than to her home.
Q17.How was Bholi’s first day at the school? Did she enjoy it?
Ans. Ramlal handed over Bholi to the headmistress. She asked Bholi to sit down in a corner in one of the classes. Bholi was glad to find so many girls of her age in the class. She hoped to make one of them her friend. She couldn’t understand what the teacher was saying. She liked the pictures of birds and animals on the wall. The teacher asked her name but Bholi couldn’t pronounce it in spite of many forts. The kind and friendly teacher encouraged her and Bholi could say. “Bh-Bh-Bho-Bholi”. The teacher patted her on her success. Bholi felt comforted and relieved.
Q18. How did the teacher help Bholi to pronounce her name full and clearly?
Ans. The teacher asked Bholi to tell her name. She could stammer “Bh-Bho-Bho” only. She began to cry, and tears rolled down her eyes. Girls still laughed at her. But the teacher comforted her. Her voice was very soothing. She made another effort but failed. The teacher encouraged her. And Bholi made the last effort and spoke, Bh — Bh — Bho — Bholi.” She was relieved as if it was a great achievement. The teacher patted her on her success.
Q19. “In time you will be more learned than anyone else in the village,” said the teacher to Bholi. What was the basis of reposting such confidence in a girl who even couldn’t pronounce her name properly?
Ans. Bholi stammered and couldn’t even pronounce her full name to the teacher. The teacher succeeded and made her speak: “Bh! Bh — Bho — Bholi.” She asked her to come to school every day. The teacher gave her a picture book and hoped that she would finish it within a month. In time, she would be more learned than anyone else in the village. Then, no one would ever be able to laugh at her.
Q20. When and why did Bholi feel that her heart was throbbing with new hope and a new life?
Ans. Bholi had achieved what she could have never even dreamed. With the encouragement and help of her teacher she could pronounce her name: “Bh —Bho — Bholi” and say: “Ye — Ye-Yes.” Then the teacher gave her a picture book. She was sure that Bholi would finish it within a week. In time she would be more learned than anyone in the village. Then, nobody would ever dare to laugh at her. Bholi felt her heart throbbing with new hope and new life.
Q21. What changes did the village see after some years?
Ans. The years passed. The village became a small town. The primary school became a high school. There was a cinema under the tin-shed. There was a cotton-ginning mill. The mail train now stopped at their railway station.
Q22. Was Ramlal happy with Bishamber’s proposal? What was the opinion of Bholi’s mother about this unequal match?
Ans. Bishamber was worried about Bholi. She had neither good looks nor intelligence. The proposal of Bishamber for her marriage was a pleasant surprise for him. His wife gave her acceptance to this unequal match. She felt that Bholi was lucky to have such a rich bridegroom. He had a big shop, his own house and several thousand rupees in the bank. Moreover, he was not asking for dowry.
Q23. Was Bishamber a suitable bridegroom for Bholi? Give your opinion.
Ans.No, Bishamber was not at all a suitable match for Bholi. No doubt, he was rich, had a big shop, a house of his own and thousands of rupees in the bank. But he was mean, greedy and a worthless man. When he came to know of the pock-marks on Bholi’s face, he demanded a dowry of 5000 rupees to marry her. Even the turban of Ramlal at his feet couldn’t melt his heart. Bholi did the right thing to reject him.
Q24. Why didn’t Bholi at first oppose the proposal of the unequal match? Why did she agree to it?
Ans. Bholi knew that she was just a burden for her parents. They thought her worthless and couldn’t even dream of a good marriage proposal for her. When she realised that her parents were happy to find such a rich and prosperous bridegroom for her, she bowed to their wish. She didn’t oppose it to keep the honour of the family intact. He agreed to many a man who was of the age of her father and had grown up children from his first wife.
Q25. What preparations had Bishamber made on the wedding day? What was the reaction of Bholi’s parents and elder sisters regarding the celebrations?
Ans. The bridegroom, Bishamber, was a well-to-do grocer. He was happy and excited about the wedding day. He had come with a large party of friends and relatives with him for the wedding. A brass-band headed the procession. It was playing a popular tune of a film. Ramlal was over-joyed to see such pomp and splendour. Bholi’s elder sisters were envious of her luck.
Q26. What happened when Bishamber took a quick glance at his bride’s face?
Ans. The auspicious moment had come. The bridegroom lifted the garland of yellow marigolds. A woman slipped back the silken veil from the bride’s face. Bishamber took a quick glance. The garland remained poised in his hand. He shouted that the bride had pockmarks on her face. If he was to marry her, her father must give him five thousand rupees.
Q27. How did Ramlal react to Bishamber’s demand of 5000 rupees to marry Bholi?
Ans. Bishamber clearly declared that if he married Bholi, her father would give him 5000 rupees. Ramlal went and placed his turban at Bishamber’s feet. He begged him not to humiliate him in that manner. He was ready to give 2000 rupees. Bishamber didn’t budge. Ramlal went inside and came back with the money and placed the bundle of notes at Bishamber’s feet.
Q28. Why did Bholi throw the wedding garland into the fire?
Or
Why did Bholi refuse to accept Bishamber as her husband when she had agreed to his proposal earlier?
Ans. Earlier, Bholi couldn’t oppose the proposal as she wanted to save the honour of the family. But now enough was enough. Bishamber had no regard and respect for her parents. He was ready to marry her for 5000 rupees. When he moved forward to garland her, she threw the wedding garland away into the force. She declared that she would not have such a mean, greedy and cowardly person as her husband.
Q29. How did Bholi react to the remarks of an old woman who called her “a shameless girl” and “a harmless dumb cow?”
Ans. When Bholi refused to accept a mean, greedy and cowardly man as her husband, everybody was stunned. An old woman called her “a shameless girl.” She had thought her “a harmless dumb cow.” Bholi turned violently on the old woman. She told that everybody had thought her a dumb cow and so they wanted to hand her over to such a heartless creature. She reminded that the ‘dumb cow’ had got a tongue now and she could speak out to defend herself.
Q30. How did Ramlal react after the ceremony ended with the departure of the bridegroom alone?
Ans. Ramlal stood silently rooted to the ground. His head bowed with the weight of grief and sorrow. He turned to Bholi and asked what would happen to her now. No one would ever marry her. He asked, “What shall we do with you?”
Q31. A grieved father asked Bholi: “But what about you? No one will ever marry you now,” What was Bholi’s reply to his grieved father?
Or
What did Bholi tell her father about her future plans when he was grieved at the break up of the marriage?
Ans. When her grieved father showed her anxiety about her still unmarried daughter, Bholi replied calmly and steadily. He asked her father not to worry about her. She assured that she would serve him and her mother in their old age. And she also told that she would teach in the same school where she had learnt so much.
Q32. How did the teacher react to Bholi’s wish expressed in the end?
Ans. The teacher had all along stood there in a corner. She had been watching the whole drama. She also heard Bholi saying that she would teach in the same school where she had learnt so much. Bholi turned to the teacher for affirmation. The teacher replied, “Yes, Bholi, of course’. She felt as if her mission had been completed.
Q33. Why was Sulekha called Bholi, the simpleton?
Ans.` Sulekha’ means a woman who writes with a beautiful hand. Ironically, Bholi of the story was considered to be a backward child. She was called a ‘simpleton’ or a witless girl. She fell off her cot in early childhood, and a part of her brain was damaged. All the girls of Ramlal except Bholi were good looking and healthy. Bholi couldn’t speak properly and stammered. Her pock-marks made her far from being pretty. Everyone mocked and made fun of such a stammering simpleton.
Q34. Describe the family of Ramlal, the Numberdar.
Ans. Ramlal was a Numberdar and collected revenue for the government from the village. He had seven children — three sons and four daughters. Radha, the eldest girl was married. Mangla was the second daughter. Her marriage had been fixed. All his daughters were good looking and healthy. The boys were sent to the city for studies. Ramlal was worried about Bholi. She had neither good looks nor intelligence. It was rather difficult to get her married off.
35. Why was Sulekha nicknamed Bholi? (H.B.S.E. March 2017 (Set-D)]
Ans. When Sulekha was ten months old, she fell down from the cot on her head. Some part of her brain was damaged. That was why she remained a backward child and came to be called as Bholi, the simpleton.
36. Why did Sulekha start stammering?
Ans. Sulekha could not speak until she was five. When at last she learnt to speak she started stammering because other children often made fun of her and mimicked her.
37. Why did the Tehsildar come to Ramlal’s village? What did he ask Randal to do?
Ans. The Tehsildar came to Ramlal’s village to perform the opening ceremony of a primary school for girls. Ramlal was the Numberdar of the village. So, the Tehsildar asked him to set an example before the village by sending his daughters to school.
38. Why was Bholi reluctant to go to school with her father?
Ans. Bholi did not know what a school was like. She thought that her father was turning her out of his house like their old cow Lakshmi. She shouted in terror and pulled her hand away from her father’s grip.
39. What made her feel that she was going to a better place than her home?
Ans. Bholi was a neglected child. But that day she was given a clean dress. She was bathed. Even oil was rubbed into her dry and matted hair. This made her feel that she was going to a better place than her home.
40. Why do Bholi’s parents accept Bishamher’s marriage proposal? Give three reasons.
Ans. Bholi’s parents agreed to marry their daughter Bholi to Bishamber because :
(i) Bishamber was a rich grocer and he did not demand any dowry.
(ii) He was from another village and did not know about her pock-marks and lack of sense.
(iii) If they did not accept the proposal Bholi was likely to remain unmarried all her life.
41. How does she become a masterpiece?
Ans. Bholi was a witless fool. She stammered. She was totally neglected. But her teacher couraged and inspired her. She became a confident and vocal woman. She refused to marry a greedy man. She resolved to serve her parents in old age. Thus, she becomes a masterpiece.
42. Give detail about Ramlal’s children.
Ans. Ramlal had seven children-four daughters and three sons. All of his children except Bholi were healthy. His sons studied in schools and colleges. Bholi was his youngest daughter. She was a backward child.
Important Long/ Detailed Answer Type Questions- to be answered in about 100 -150 words each – Bholi
1. Although Bholi never got the deserved love, care and acceptance from her family, she is ready to reciprocate like all daughters in Indian society. Discuss the character of Bholi in the light of the above-mentioned
Ans. Bholi was the fourth daughter of Ramie!. She got her brain damaged when she was only ten months old. At the age of two, she had an attack of smallpox which left permanent pockmarks on her body. She stammered while speaking. Thus she was a neglected child in her family. Nobody took care of her. Nobody loved her. Nobody had any expectation from her. Her parents called her a dumb cow and treated her so. The old dresses of her sister were passed on to her. No one cared to mend or wash her clothes. New clothes had never been made for Bholi. No one oiled her hairs or tried to teach her anything. Luckily she was sent to school and her teacher changed her life entirely. Now she was a learned girl. When her parents decided to marry her with Bishamber a fifty years old lame, greedy person, she did not speak a word and agreed to it silently for the sake of her parents. She did not even protest. Later on, when Bishamber insulted her parents and demanded 5000 rupees, she refused to marry him and declared that she will never marry anyone and will always serve her parents in their old age. Thus in spite of being a neglected child, Bholi acted like all daughters in Indian societies.
2. Bholi challenged the dowry seeker. She used to be a meek girl. What changed her attitude towards life?
Ans. Bholi used to be a meek girl. She had pockmarks on her body. Her brain got damaged when she was just ten months. She was also a slow learner. She could not speak till she was five. Later on, she started stammering while speaking.
She was sent to school just for formality. Her parents were not serious about her studies. But her teacher changed her life. She encouraged her to speak properly and to learn more and more in school. Then she knew what is good or what is bad. Now she could differentiate between right and wrong. Education totally changed her personality. Even then she behaved like an obedient girl and agreed to marry Bishamber— fifty years old. same person. But she could not stand his demand of dowry. She refused to fulfil Bishamber’s demand of five thousand rupees and denied to marry him. Thus education changed her attitude towards her life.
3.’And in her smiling eyes was the light of deep satisfaction that an artist feels when he is contemplating the completion of his masterpiece.’ Imagine you are Bholi’s teacher. You are overwhelmed with a sense of satisfaction to see the conversion of Moll’ to `Selecta’. Express your feelings in the form of a diary entry.
Ans. Diary entry
15.2.2017
Today I felt very much satisfied as I got success in changing Bholi to Selecta. As her name signifies Bholi was really a simple girl. I cannot forget her first entry in my class. A frightened, confused and a simple girl; was her first appearance. She used to stammer while speaking. But my two words of affection filled her with confidence. She left stammering and became a confident, determined girl. She was determined to learn everything silently. In her family, nobody noticed the changes that took place in her personality and got her engaged to a fifty-year-old lame man with two children. She kept the honour of her parents and agreed to this marriage. But she could not stand with the demand of dowry. She threw away her garland in the fire and asked her father to take back the money. She raised her voice against dowry. She asked the ladies of the village why girls should be treated like a dumb cow. This was the change I always wanted to see in her personality. Today, I feel I have completed my masterpiece without any error. Today she signified her real name SULEIGIA.
4. Demanding dowry is an evil practice. Describe how Bholi, a dumb cowgirl fought against this evil.
Ans. Bholi was considered a dumb cowgirl. She was sent to school just to obey the orders of Tehsildar. Her teacher played an important role in changing her life from Bholi to Selecta. Now she became a confident, educated girl but nobody noticed any change in her personality because she was no one for her family. She got engaged with a fifty years old lame man for which she agreed silently. But when he demanded five thousand rupees as dowry Bholi at once stood up against it. She refused to marry him. She gave her consent for a mismatched marriage but she did not support dowry. She called Bishamber a mean, greedy and contemptible coward. She was no more a dumb driven cow. She set an example for the society and became the role model for all the girls.
5. Who was Bishamber? Why did Bholi’s parents accept his marriage proposal?
Ans. Bishamber Nath was a well-to-do grocer of the same age as Bholi’s father. He was a widower who had a house of his own and a big bank balance. To marry off his daughter to Bishamber was a dream for Ramlal, who, after an initial hesitation, was overjoyed to accept his proposal for marriage. Moreover, Bishamber did not demand dowry. For Ramlal, Bholi was the fourth daughter. Her pock-marked face, her slowness in understanding things, and her stammering were real problems, for Ramlal in marrying her off. However, Bishamber Nath yeas not aware of these ‘flaws’ of Bholi. So when he proposed to Ramlal, he readily accepted fearing that if he rejected the proposal Bholi would remain unmarried all her life. She would then be a burden on her parents. Thus, Ramlal felt lucky to have a groom like Bishamber Nath for his daughter.
6. It was a twist of fate that Bholi’s future was made better.’ Rate the above statement with ri4erence to how Bholi was sent to school and educated.
Ans. Bholi was a weak, timid person. She was an ignored child. Her parents treated her like a burden. She was neglected. Ill-treated and considered a dumb cow by her family. She was sent, to school, her parents thought she would not be able to get a match with her slow brain and pockmarked ugly fact. This was a twist of fate for her.
At the school she luckily got s motivating, encouraging teacher who instilled in her traits of self-confidence, self-respect and courage. To relieve her parents from worry, she agreed to marry a lame, widower with grown-up children.
At the time of garlanding, the widower, Bishmabar noticed pockmarks on Bholi’s face. Re demanded Rs. 5000 as dowry money. Her father pleaded to lessen the amount but he stuck to his demand. This aroused Bholi’s self-respect and she refused in front of all to marry such a greedy, mean and heartless fellow. She decided to become a school teacher and serve her parents in their old age.
Her school teacher changed her future and made it better. She transformed a timid, tome, dumb cow into a bold, courageous, confident and self-respecting person.
7. 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. When Bholi was ten months old, she fell down from a cot. This damaged a part of her brain and affected her intelligence and speech. She became a slow learner and started speaking with a stammer. So she was called Shelf or a simpleton. Besides, at the age of two, she got an attack of smallpox which left pockmarks on her face making her ugly. This was her father’s worry. She was ill-treated and ignored by her family. She remained backwards and neglected. She never got new clothes. The old dresses of her sisters were passed onto her. No one cared to mend or wash her clothes, put oil in her hair or comb them properly. She was never able to understand the reason for such differences. She could never connect herself with her parents. The values that children share with their parents were missing from them. She got these values from her teacher. She became an obedient and well-behaved daughter of her parents.
8. The story, Thule throws light on some social evils being practised in our society. Bholi took a stand and succeeded in overcoming social bathers. What can you contribute to change the social attitudes illustrated in the story?
Ans. Bholi was an ill-treated and ignored child. She had pockmarks on her face making her ugly. She was also a slow learner, a retarded child and also stammered while talking. Her parents always neglected her and she was a nuisance for them. When she grew up, the parents received a marriage proposal for her from Bishamber. He was a lame, old widower with grown-up children. Her parents were happy to get the proposal. At the time of marriage when Bishamber saw pockmarks on Bholi’s face, he asked a dowry of Rs. 5000 to marry her. Bholi’s father agreed. This aroused the self-respect of Bholi and she refused to marry such a greedy, mean and heartless, lame, old man. Her behaviour revealed that she took a stand and succeeded in overcoming social barriers. She announced to remain a spinster and to never marry.
We can also contribute to change the social attitudes by educating our girls. We should make them self-confident and independent. We can all follow the norm ‘each one teaches one’ to eradicate illiteracy and spread awareness, as only education guarantees a better future.
9. 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 instal all the qualities that Bholi’s teacher has, to help students to overcome social discrimination.
Bholi was sent to school because of her ugly face and lack of intelligence; she had little chance of getting a match. “Let the teachers at school worry about her,” said her mother.
Her teacher worked on her as an artist. She motivated and encouraged her, instilled in her traits of self-confidence, self-respect and courage. Education and the teacher’s efforts produced wonderful results. She stopped stammering. She hoped to be respected after completing her education. Her teacher was a caring, affectionate, kind lady who brought change in her life. She built up Bholi’s confidence and self-respect. Only because of her teacher’s instincts she could have the courage to refuse to marry a mean, greedy, lame old man.
10. Describe the teacher’s role in moulding the life of Bholi.
Or
Discuss the role of Bholi’s teacher in transforming her.
Ans. Bholi was sent to school because with her ugly face and lack of intelligence, she had little chance of getting a match. “Let the teachers at school worry about her,” said her mother. Bholi was unwilling to go because she thought that she was being sold and turned out of the house like her cow Lakshmi. She was given clean clothes to wear for the first time. Her visit to school proved a turning point in the life of this neglected girl. Her teacher worked on her as an artist. She spoke to her lovingly and sweetly in her soft, soothing voice. She consoled and encouraged her to speak without a stammer. She raised in her the hope of a new and respectable life. Education and the teacher’s efforts produced wonderful results. The teacher played a key role in Bholi’s life. She made her a confident, bold and self-respecting person. The teacher realized that the frightened girl only needed some tenderness care and encouragement.
Education gave her strength, knowledge and understanding. From a fool, she became an enlightened girl.
11. Give a brief character sketch of Bholi and describe the role of the teacher played in her life?
Or
In the light of the chapter, Thule, how far would you agree that “education is really an eye-opener.”
Ans. Bholi’s real name was Selecta. But everyone started calling her a fool since the time that she was a little child. When she was ten months old, she fell off the cot and damaged some part of her brain. This affected her intelligence and her speech. She couldn’t speak till she was five. And even after that, she would stammer. She was laughed at and mimicked by other children. So she talked very little. Fate played a cruel joke on her. An attack of smallpox left pock marks all over her face and body. The fair and pretty two-year-old child became ugly looking. She remained backwards and neglected. She never got new clothes to wear. Transformation in her life started from the age of seven when she was sent to school. Her teacher was a caring, affectionate, kind lady who brought change in her life. Her parents were worried about Bholi’s future. They wanted to marry her off to a lame old man. But her teacher built up Bholi’s confidence and power of speech. She had become confident, bold and self-respecting having the courage to refuse to marry a mean, greedy, lame old man. Thus, a loving mentor and good education changed Bholi’s life forever.
Q12. Give a character-sketch of Bholi’s teacher who taught at the primary village school.
Ans. The lady teacher who taught Bholi’s class was really an ideal teacher. She had all the mobility and maturity that are the hallmarks of her profession. She was kind-hearted and understanding. She knew how to deal with a child of special needs like Bholi. When she noticed her, she smiled and asked her name. Bholi stammered: “Bho —Bho —Bho.” The girls laughed but the teacher assured her. The teacher’s voice was soft and soothing. She again asked to tell her name. It was not a command. All her life she had never been called like that.
The teacher persisted in her efforts to make her pronounce her full name without stammering. And she did succeed. Bholi pronounced: “Bh—Bh—Bho—Bholi.” Even Bholi was surprised at how she was able to say it.
With affection and tender love, the teacher dealt with the unfortunate child. She gave her a book of pictures and hoped she would finish it within a month. She assured Bholi that one day she would be more learned than anybody else in the village.
The teacher had all along stood in a corner during the wedding day of Bholi. She was watching the whole drama. She heard Bholi say that she would teach in the same school where she had learnt so much. Bholi looked towards for her confirmation. The teacher replied promptly; “Yes, Bholi, of course.”
Q13. Who was Bishamber Nath? Did Bholi do the right thing to reject such a person?
Or
Give a character sketch of Bishamber Nath.
Ans. Bishamber Nath was a well-to-do grocer. He had a big shop. He had a house of his own and thousands of rupees in the bank. He was a widower. He had children from his first wife. They were quite grown up now. Bishamber was an unequal match for Bholi. He was almost of the age of her father. He limped too. But Bholi’s parents thought him a good match for Bholi. He ignored his age and limping and accepted Bishamber’s proposal of marriage. Of course, Bholi was not even consulted. Bishamber Nath wanted to dazzle Bholi’s parents with his wealth. He came with a large party of friends and relatives for the wedding. A brass band moved ahead playing a popular filmy tune. Ramlal was overjoyed to see this pomp and grandeur. Bishamber Nath showed his true colour when he found that the bride had pockmarks on her face. He shamelessly demanded five thousand rupees as dowry to marry such a girl. Ramlal put even his turban at his feet. Bishamber didn’t budge and Ramlal put a bundle of notes at his feet.
Bishamber was rightly punished and humiliated in the end. The ‘dumb cow’ got her tongue now. She threw away the wedding garland into the fire. She refused to many such a mean, greedy and worthless man. Bholi did the right thing by rejecting such a person.
Q14. What kind of treatment does Bholi get from her parents? Does she deserve it? Comment.
Ans. Sulekha (Bholi) was the fourth and youngest daughter of Numberdar Ramlal. At birth, Bholi was quite fair and pretty. When she was just ten months old, she fell off the cot. Perhaps, she damaged a part of her brain. When she was two years old, an attack of smallpox disfigured her. She had deep black pock-marks all over her body. All the other daughters of Ramlal were good looking and healthy. Bholi’s parents were worried, as Bholi had neither good looks nor intelligence. The parents had no problem in marrying the other girls. They thought that no one would ever marry such a girl. Bholi’s parents considered her a backward child. Her stammering made children laugh.
Bholi was sent to school. It was not because her parents wanted to give her a good education. Actually, being a Numberdar, he couldn’t disobey the Tehsildar who asked him to send his daughters to school. The way Bholi’s parents treated Bholi in finalising her marriage with Bishamber shows their callousness and indifference towards their daughter. Marrying her to an old and limping man with grown-up children showed their callous disregard for the happiness of their unfortunate child.
Q15. Draw a pen—portrait of Ramlal in about 120 words.
Ans. Ram Lal was a well-to-do farmer. In his prosperous household, they had enough to eat and drink. Following the tradition of the times, he maintained a big family. He had seven children — three boys and four girls. Boys were sent to the city to get a proper education. All his children, except Bholi, were good looking and healthy. Ramlal and his wife were more interested in marrying off their daughters than in giving them a good education. Bholi was sent to school because Ramlal couldn’t disobey the Tehsildar. He had asked him to send his daughters to school. Ramlal was a pragmatic and practical man. He was not burdened with the weight of morality. Money and wealth were more important for him than anything else. He was happy to marry off Bholi to an old and limping man.
Being the Numberdar of the village, Ramlal had a high sense of himself and his family’s honour. He even put his turban at Bishamber’s feet to save the honour or ‘ijjat’ of his family. He was even ready to give 5000 rupees as demanded by Bishamber. He was always worried about Bholi. She was neither good looking nor had any intelligence. He was worried that no man would ever marry her.
Q16. Narrate Bholi’s first experience in the class. How was she treated by her teacher?
Ans. Bholi was afraid of going to school. She didn’t know what school was like. When Ramlal caught her hand to take her to school, she shouted in terror; “N—n—n—No.” She pulled her hand away. Ramlal banded over Bholi to the headmistress. Bholi was sent to one of the classrooms. She sat in a corner. At last, she was happy to find so many girls there. They were of her age. She hoped to befriend one of them. Bholi was impressed by the colourful pictures of birds and animals on the wall.
The woman who made Bholi’s first experience at the school pleasant and enjoyable was her teacher. She smiled at her and asked her name. Bholi could only stammer; “Bh—Bho—Bho—”. She couldn’t pronounce her full name. She began to cry and tears flowed from her eyes. She felt helpless. The girls laughed at her. But the soothing voice of the teacher comforted her. In her soft voice, the teacher asked to make another try. It was not a command. It was a friendly request. The teacher encouraged her. “Come on, now — the full name”. At last, Bholi was able to say, “Bh — Bh — Bho —Bholi.” She felt relieved. She wondered at her success.
Bholi was fortunate to have such a teacher. She gave a picture book to Bholi. She hoped that she would finish it within a month. She assured Bholi that one day she would be more learned than anyone else in the village. Then nobody would be able to laugh at her.
Q17. Draw a character-sketch of Bholi in your own words, highlighting her transformation from a harmless dumb cow’ to a fearless and independent girl. Or Bholi was known to be a “dumb cow.” How did she turn out to be an outspoken and fearless girl?
Ans. Bholi was the youngest of Ramlal’s four daughters. All other daughters were good-looking and healthy. Bholi was considered just a simpleton. Her stammering made her a stock of laughter for children. Her pock-marks had disfigured her badly. She had neither good looks nor intelligence. She was like “a harmless dumb cow” who didn’t know how to express herself properly. At birth, Bholi was very fair and pretty. When she was just ten months old, she fell off her cot. Perhaps a part of her brain was damaged. When she was two years old, she had an attack of smallpox. Her eyes were saved but deep black pock-marks disfigured her.
Bholi’s teacher at the village primary school changed her life. In her teaching, she found a kind and helpful human being. She taught her how to pronounce her name properly. She gave Bholi all the confidence and encouragement that she needed so badly. The teacher assured that one day she would be more learned than anyone else in the village.
Being an obedient child, Bholi didn’t oppose the proposal of an old and lame person. She did so for the honour of the family. But when Bishamber insisted on demanding five thousand rupees for marrying a girl with pock-marks, she revolted. She threw the wedding garland into the fire. She refused to marry such a greedy and mean person. She also decided to serve her parents in their old age. She declared that she would teach in the same school where she had learnt so much.
18. On the basis of your understanding of the story, sketch the character of Bholi and describe the role of the teacher played in her life.
Ans. Bholi was Ramlal’s youngest daughter. When she was ten months old she fell down from the cot and a part of her brain was damaged. So she remained a backward child. Her face was permanently disfigured by pock-marks when she was two years old. She began to speak at the age of five years but she stammered. She was a neglected child. None cared for her. They called her a witless fool. Other children mimicked and laughed at her. But when she was sent to school her life totally changed. Her teacher was kind and sympathetic. She encouraged and inspired her to rise higher in life. The teacher gave her confidence. She made her speak without a stammer. She was learned. She refused to marry a mean and greedy man. She decided to serve her old parents and her village by teaching other girls.
19. What was new hope and new life for Bholi?
Or
Describe Bholi’s experience on her first day at school.
Ans. One day Ramlal held Bholi’s hand and asked her to go to school. Bholi did not know what a school was like. She thought that her father was turning her out of his house like their old cow Lakshrni. She shouted in terror and pulled her hand away from her father’s grip. On the first day of school, she was frightened. But after some time she seemed to be enjoying the pictures on the wall. She was happy to see so many girls of her age in the class. The real thing that made her happy on this very day was the loving and soothing treatment of the teacher. The teacher spoke to her in a soft and soothing voice. No one had ever spoken to her gently. This touched her heart. The teacher told Bholi that if she came to school regularly she would be more learned than anyone else in the village. She would speak without a stammer and everyone would listen to her with respect. This was a new hope and new life for Bholi.
Q.20. What idea do you form of Ramlal’s personality?
Or
Give a brief sketch of Ramlal’s character.
Ans. Ramlal was the Numberdar of his village. He had a respectable position in the village. He had four daughters and three sons. He was a loving father. He sent his sons to the city for education. He searched for good bridegrooms for his three daughters. He was worried about his youngest daughter Bholi. He took her to’ school. He asked his wife to bathe Bholi and give her clean clothes. He did not want to marry Bholi with Bishamber who was almost of his age. He wanted to consult Bholi in this matter. But it seems that he was in wife’s influence. Even in the end, he parted with five thousand rupees for the sake of Bholi’s happiness. Thus he was a good father.
21. Give a brief account of Ramlal’s children.
Ans. Randal had seven children—three sons and four daughters. The names of his daughters were Radha, Mangla. Champa and Sulekha. Sulekha, who was known as Bholi, was the youngest of the seven of Ramlal’s children. Ramlal was a prosperous farmer. All his children except Bholi were quite healthy and intelligent. His sons were sent to the city for education. Later they were sent to college. His three daughters Radha, Mangla and Champa were very beautiful. Ramlal had no problem regarding their marriages but he was much worried about Bholi. Bholi was a backward child. She had pock-marks on her face. She spoke with a stammer. She was a neglected child. None cared for her.
22. What kind of treatment is given to Bholi by her parents? Is it justified?
Ans. Bholi was the youngest of the seven of Ramlal’s children. Her real name was Sulekha. When she was ten months old, she fell down from the cot on her head. Some part of her brain was damaged. So she remained a backward child. She had pock-marks on her face. She spoke with a stammer. The treatment of her parents towards her was very discouraging. They called her a witless fool. They did little care of her. They didn’t give her new clothes. None washed her clothes and cared for her bath. They thought her a burden on their shoulders. They sent her to school only to take off this burden from their shoulders to that of the teacher’s.
