8. Bholi - Class 10 - Footprints

Author: K.A. Abbas

Genre: Realistic Fiction / Social Commentary

Textbook: Footprints Without Feet – Lesson 8

Mind Map (Click on the panel to expand)

Listen to a quick Hindi audio summary below for better understanding.

📝 Summary

Bholi, originally named Sulekha, was born into a poor family. As a baby, she fell from her cot, injuring her head and affecting her brain development. Later, she suffered from smallpox, which left her face covered in pockmarks, and she developed a stammer, making her a target of mockery.

Everyone in the family and society believed she was a burden—good for nothing and unlikely to marry. However, when a new school opens, her father sends her there just to get rid of responsibility. Though scared at first, a kind and gentle teacher makes her feel safe, teaches her to read and speak, and gives her confidence.

Years later, her marriage is arranged with Bishamber, an older, greedy man who demands dowry after seeing her face. To everyone’s shock, Bholi refuses the marriage, showing courage and self-respect. She chooses to remain unmarried and become a teacher like the one who changed her life.

👤 Character Sketches

Bholi (Sulekha)

• Physically weak, mentally slow due to an injury

• Mocked for her looks and speech

• Becomes confident and educated

• Stands up for her dignity and refuses a dowry-based marriage

• Symbol of inner strength, transformation, and empowerment

Bholi’s Teacher

• Gentle, kind, and understanding

• Treats Bholi with dignity

• Encourages her to learn, speak, and believe in herself

• Symbol of how education can uplift and empower

Bholi’s Father (Ramlal)

• A village revenue officer

• Initially indifferent to Bholi, but agrees to send her to school

• Feels relieved after she rejects Bishamber, seeing her strength

Bishamber

• Rich, old, and greedy

• Demands dowry on the wedding day after seeing Bholi’s face

• Represents the social evil of dowry and hypocrisy

📚 Themes

✨ Literary Devices

📖 Title Justification

The title Bholi—which means “simpleton” or “innocent girl”—is ironic and symbolic. The world sees her as weak and useless, but she proves to be intelligent, brave, and morally strong. Her journey from being ignored to taking control of her own life gives deep meaning to the title.

✅ One-Mark Questions (Q&A Format)

Q1. What was Bholi’s real name?

👉 Bholi’s real name was Sulekha.

Q2. Why was Bholi called a ‘simpleton’?

👉 She was called a simpleton because a childhood injury affected her mental development.

Q3. What caused Bholi’s facial disfigurement?

👉 Smallpox left her face full of pockmarks.

Q4. Why was Bholi afraid to go to school?

👉 She feared being laughed at because of her appearance and stammer.

Q5. Why did Bholi refuse to marry Bishamber?

👉 She refused because he demanded dowry after seeing her face, insulting her dignity.

✅ Three-Mark Questions

Q1. How did Bholi’s teacher help her overcome her fears?

👉 The teacher spoke gently, encouraged Bholi to speak without fear, and built her confidence. Her kindness made Bholi feel safe and respected for the first time.

Q2. Describe the change in Bholi’s personality from the beginning to the end of the story.

👉 Bholi transforms from a scared, ridiculed girl into a confident, educated woman. By the end, she speaks out for her rights and refuses a marriage that insults her dignity.

Q3. How is Bholi a comment on the dowry system?

👉 The story exposes how greedy grooms like Bishamber use dowry to exploit families. Bholi’s refusal to marry him challenges this social evil and promotes self-respect and empowerment.

🧠 Value-Based Question

Q. What do we learn from Bholi’s journey in the story?

👉 Bholi teaches us that education and kindness can transform lives. Even someone seen as weak or unworthy can stand strong with the right support. The story encourages us to fight against discrimination and stand up for our dignity and rights.

END

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