CBSE Class 10 English Bholi Important Questions Set 03

Short Answer Questions

Question 1. 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?
Answer: Grieved father — anxiety about her — unmarried daughter, Bholi replied calmly and steadily — asked her father not to worry — assured — she would serve him — her mother — their old age — she also told — she would teach — same school where she had learnt so much.

Question 2. What preparations were made to send Bholi to school? When did she begin to think that school was a better place than her home?
Answer: Ramlal — his wife — some decent clothes — Bholi — the teachers — other school girls — make any bad image of the family — Bholi — lucky to get a clean dress — didn’t fit Champa— Bholi — bathed — Oil — rubbed — dry and matted hair — Bholi began to think that she — going to a better place — home.

Question 3. Was Ramlal happy with Bishamber's proposal? What was the opinion of Bholi's mother about this unequal match?
Answer: Bishamber — worried — Bholi — neither good looks nor intelligence — proposal of Bishamber — her marriage — a pleasant surprise — wife gave her acceptance — unequal match — Bholi — lucky — rich bridegroom — big shop, his own house and several thousand rupees in the bank — not asking for dowry.

Question 4. What preparations had Bishamber made on the wedding day? What was the reaction of Bholi's parents and elder sisters regarding the celebrations?
Answer: The bridegroom, Bishamber — well-to-do grocer — happy and excited on the wedding day — come with a large party of friends and relatives — the wedding — brass-band headed the procession — playing a popular tune of a film — Ramlal was over-joyed — pomp and splendour — Bholi's elder sisters — envious of her luck.

Question 5. 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?
Answer: Bholi — oppose the proposal — wanted to save the honour of the family — enough was enough — Bishamber — no regard and respect for her parents — ready to marry her for 5000 rupees — moved forward to garland her — threw the wedding garland away — the force — declared that — not have such a mean, greedy and cowardly person as her husband.

Question 6. How does education play a transformative role in Bholi’s life? (CBSE SQP 2023)
Answer: Education plays a huge transformative role in Bholi’s life. It gave her confidence and self-esteem. It enabled her to take the right decisions and speak up for herself. Education was her weapon to fight against Bishamber and to stand up for herself.

Question 7. Bholi's parents' decision to send Bholi to school played a transformative role in her life. Justify.
Answer: Bholi’s teacher was the reason behind her extreme transformation. The teacher understood that Bholi needed love and special care as she was a differently abled child. The teacher had instilled such confidence and strength in Bholi that not only did she overcome her fear and stammering, but she also took a stand against her marriage by refusing to marry the old greedy man.

Question 8. What does Bholi's parents' acceptance of her marriage proposal, despite the significant age difference between her and Bishamber Nath, reveal about prevailing social conditions? How can society address such issues to promote individuals' well-being?
Answer: The acceptance of such an unsuitable proposal for Bholi by her parents tells us that girls like Bholi, who are dull and not good-looking, are treated as a burden even by their parents. These problems can only be addressed if the girls are educated. Once educated and independent, the girls can voice their own opinion while taking the important decisions of their lives.

Question 9. What is the significance of Bholi's words, "I won't, I won't, I won't," when she rejects the marriage proposal?
Answer: Bholi's words, "I won't, I won't, I won't," hold great significance as they show her newfound courage and determination. She asserts her right to make her own decisions by turning down the marriage proposal. It represents her evolution from a timid young girl to a strong, independent lady.

Question 10. How does the story challenge the notion of societal judgments based on appearance?
Answer: In the story, Bishamber Nath agrees to marry Bholi without seeing her face. But when he finally sees her pock-marked face, he becomes greedy and demands more money from Bholi's family. This shows that he is judging her solely based on her appearance and cares more about money than Bholi as a person. However, Bholi challenges these judgments by refusing to marry. The story teaches us that everyone deserves respect and should be valued for their inner qualities, rather than their external appearance.

Question 11. The story highlights the importance of inner strength in the face of adversity. Elaborate.
Answer: Bholi's decision to not marry the old man and instead serve her family and become a teacher highlights the importance of inner strength in the face of adversity. It shows her transformation from a shy to a confident girl. It was through her education that she gained the strength to stand up for herself.

Question 12. For what unusual reasons was Bholi sent to school?
Answer: When a new primary school for girls is opened in the village, the tehsildar asks Ramlal to send his daughters to school and set an example. So, despite having the view that education makes girls unsuitable for marriage, Bholi’s parents sent her to school. They thought that with her lack of looks and intelligence, nobody would marry her, so there was no harm educating her.

Question 13. Why did Bholi at first agree to an unequal match? Why did she later reject the marriage. What does this tell about her?
Answer: Bholi agreed to the match at first to fulfil her parents’ wishes. Later on, she rejected the marriage when the bridegroom asked for dowry. This tells us that Bholi was not a timid or dumb girl. She was aware of her rights. She also knew how to fight for her own dignity and feared no one.

Question 14. 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 word 'Bholi' means a simpleton. Throughout the story, she had been a simpleton, who hardly expressed her opinion on any matter. The word Sulekha means ‘a person with a 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. It represents her transformation and self-realisation. When she stands up for herself and rejects the marriage proposal, she reclaims her real name.

Question 15. Would you call Bholi's mother a kind and loving person? Justify.
Answer: No, Bholi's mother was not at all kind and loving towards Bholi. She never took care of her, neither in childhood nor at a young age. She was not concerned even about her studies or clothing. She did not bother about Bholi's groom. Whether he was an elderly person or a greedy one, or if he would honour her daughter or keep her as a slave in his house.

Question 16. What filled Bholi, a ‘dumb cow’, with a new hope? (CBSE 2015)
Answer: Bholi’s teacher's kind and loving gestures towards her filled her with a new hope of becoming a skilled human. Her teacher told her that very soon, she would stop stammering and learn to read like other girls of her age.

Question 17. Do you agree that the teacher was an artist and Bholi was her masterpiece? Why or why not? (Delhi Gov. 2021)
Answer: Yes, I believe that the teacher was an artist, and Bholi was her masterpiece. Her teacher carved and shaped her strong and independent future like an artist. The teacher's love, care, and concern for her turned her from a shy, insecure girl to an independent lady. Bholi’s decision to call off her marriage with an old, greedy man was her teacher’s artwork that was finally completed.

Question 18. Why was Ramlal most worried about Bholi among all his children? (Delhi Gov. QB 2022)
Answer: All the other children of Ramlal were healthy, strong and looked good. Bholi was the only girl who was neither intelligent nor good-looking. She was a simpleton who stammered. Ramlal was extremely worried about her chances of getting married.

Question 19. The various elements of author's writing style work together to create a sense of inspiration. Comment.
Answer: The author uses simple, moving narration and shows Bholi’s journey from a neglected, stammering girl to a confident young woman. The kind words of the teacher and the dramatic wedding scene, in which Bholi refuses the greedy groom, create a strong sense of inspiration.

Question 20. How does Bholi’s teacher play a crucial and transformative role in Bholi’s life?
Answer: Bholi’s teacher treats her with love and patience. She tells her not to be afraid and promises that she will soon speak without stammering and that people will listen to her with respect. She gives her a picture book and encourages her to learn. This kindness gives Bholi confidence and changes the course of her life.

Question 21. Ramlal was worried about Bholi as she was not good looking. Counter the belief that it’s important for girls to be good looking and give a reason for the same.
Answer: Good looks do not decide a girl’s worth. Bholi was not good-looking, but education gave her confidence, self-respect and the courage to reject a greedy groom. Qualities like intelligence, character and skills matter far more than appearance in leading a happy and independent life.

Question 22. Why did Bholi not marry Bishamber? (CBSE 2020)
Answer: Bholi’s marriage was fixed with Bishamber, who was forty-five or fifty years old. He also limped and had grown-up children from his first marriage. Although he was rich and had a big shop and a house of his own, 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. When Bishamber refused to marry her if the dowry was not paid, Ramlal, Bholi’s father, placed his turban at his feet, but even that couldn’t melt Bishamber’s heart. Seeing this, Bholi threw away the garland and refused to marry him.

Question 23. Why did Bholi dislike Bishamber? (CBSE 2020)
Answer: Bholi’s marriage was fixed with Bishamber, who was forty-five or fifty years old and he also limped. Even then he demanded 5000 rupees as dowry because Bholi had pock-marks on her face. Bholi stopped the marriage by throwing the garland into the fire. She threw away the veil and said to her father that she would not marry a mean, greedy coward like Bishamber.

Question 24. Why was Sulekha nicknamed Bholi? (AI 2016)
Answer: When Sulekha was ten months old, she fell off the cot. Her head and some part of her brain got damaged. She remained a backward child since then. She learned to speak at the age of five; even then her speech wasn’t clear; she stammered. Therefore, Sulekha came to be known as Bholi, a simpleton.

Question 25. For what unusual reasons was Bholi sent to school? (Delhi 2015)
Answer: Tehsildar Sahib had asked Ramlal to send his daughters to school. Since he could not disobey Tehsildar Sahib, Ramlal decided to send Bholi to school. The other reason for doing so was that Bholi had little to no chance of getting married because she was slow-witted, had pock-marks on her face and body, and she stammered.

Question 26. Why did Bishamber’s marriage with Bholi not take place? (Delhi 2015)
Answer: At the time of the marriage ceremony, Bishamber Nath was shocked to see that Bholi’s face was covered with ugly pock-marks. Seeing an opportunity to acquire dowry from the bride’s father, Bishamber Nath demanded five thousand rupees or else he would not marry Bholi. In order to save his family’s honour, Ramlal agreed to pay the hefty amount. However, Bholi refused to marry the greedy man. Thus, Bishamber’s marriage with Bholi did not take place.

Question 27. What filled Bholi, a dumb cow, with a new hope? (AI 2015)
Answer: Bholi, considered to be a ‘dumb cow’, was filled with new hope on hearing her teacher’s soft and soothing voice. No one had ever spoken to her so nicely. Also, Bholi’s teacher encouraged, inspired and showered her with love. She gave Bholi a book to read and promised to give her more books that would help her learn new things.

Question 28. Give examples from the text to show that Bholi was a neglected child. (Delhi 2014)
Answer: Bholi was quite a neglected child at home. No new clothes were made for her and she was always passed on the dresses of her elder sisters. She remained unbathed and her hair was unwashed. Bholi’s parents were willing to get her married off to an old, lame widower because of her disadvantageous looks and handicaps.

Question 29. How did the teacher build up Bholi’s confidence on her first day at school? (AI 2014)
Answer: Bholi’s teacher asked her what her name was. But Bholi failed to say her full name because of her stammering. At the end of the class the teacher called Bholi to her and quite lovingly made Bholi say her full name. When she succeeded in doing so, the teacher praised Bholi for her efforts, patted her affectionately and told her to get rid of her fear as it would enable her to speak the way others do. Then she gave Bholi a book to read and encouraged her to keep reading more and more books. This way the teacher built up Bholi’s confidence on her first day at school.

Question 30. How did Bholi’s teacher play an important role in changing the course of her life? (Delhi Com. 2013)
Answer: Bholi’s teacher treated her with love and compassion, and encouraged her to read and study. She inspired Bholi to become a teacher herself. Education helped Bholi gain her self-confidence. She became aware of her self-respect and, bravely enough, refused to marry the aged, mean, greedy and cowardly Bishamber Nath.

Question 31. What kind of a mother, do you think, was Ramlal’s wife? (Delhi 2012)
Answer: Ramlal’s wife was a typical village woman who believed that girls are not supposed to go to school as it would lessen their chances of getting married. She was not a good mother. She always favoured her good-looking, normal children whereas Bholi was neglected and treated indifferently by her own mother. Bholi’s mother discriminated against her because she stammered, was slow-witted and had ugly pock-marks on her face and body.

Question 32. 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: Creating awareness among the rural population about the benefits of educating the girl child and increasing tolerance towards special needs people is the way we can contribute towards changing social attitudes.

Question 33. 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 be aware of their rights and assert them. Girls and boys both should have the same rights. Female infanticide and not sending girls to school are some of the ways that society treats them differently. Human rights do not differentiate between girls and boys.

Question 34. 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: No, the characters in the story were not speaking in English. They were speaking in Hindi.

Question 35. Why was Sulekha called Bholi by everyone?
Answer: When she was ten months old, Bholi had fallen off the cot on her head and perhaps it had damaged some part of her brain. That was why she remained a dull witted child and came to be known as Bholi, the simpleton.

Question 36. Why did other children make fun of Bholi and mimic her?
Answer: Bholi’s entire body was permanently disfigured by deep black pockmarks. Little Bholi could not speak till she was five and when at last she learnt to speak, she stammered. This is why other children often made fun of her and mimicked her.

Question 37. Why did the teacher’s eyes depict satisfaction when Bholi rejected the marriage?
Answer: The teacher taught Bholi to be confident and educated her. She felt satisfied that her education had given Bholi the strength to defy the social pressures and lead her life on her own terms.

Question 38. What filled Bholi, a dumb cow, with a new hope? (Board Question)
Answer: As a child, Bholi was always shunned and ignored because of her looks. She faced a tough childhood and was extremely anxious and timid. Bholi’s teacher’s soft and soothing voice coupled with her encouraging words filled Bholi with new hope. The teacher’s faith in Bholi helped her grow.

Question 39. And in her smiling eyes was the light of a deep satisfaction that an artist feels when contemplating the completion of her masterpiece. Describe the “masterpiece” that was earlier referred to as a “harmless dumb cow” based on your reading of “Bholi”.
Answer: Bholi was treated with utmost contempt at her house due to her pockmarks. She used to be verbally bashed so much that she stammered while talking and was thought a dimwit. Due to these reasons she was never treated like her siblings were treated, with respect and concern. No one cared about her, their only worry was to marry her off. In order to get rid of her worries, she was sent to school but this became a boon in disguise for her. Bholi gradually transformed into a learned woman. Her parents fixed her marriage with a man much older than her. At the time of her marriage, her groom raised an objection about her appearance and demanded dowry. To the utter dismay of her family and acquaintances, she raised her voice, loud and clear free from stutters and denied marrying the man. She decided to take care of her parents and educate herself in order to become independent. Her teacher was proud that the once stammering Bholi, who was called a half-witted cow, could take a stand for herself. This is the transformation that education brought about into Bholi, making her a masterpiece.

Question 40. Read the following quote by American poet Maya Angelou “I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels.” The stand taken by Bholi at the end of the story “Bholi” is best described by this quote. Justify
Answer: The society always dictates the womenfolk to be submissive and instructs them not to take charge of their life in their own hands. It is the duty of the female to get married and beget family. But for that, they need to be born beautiful but along the socially acceptable lines. Bholi was a girl with stammering and had pockmarks on her. She was never loved and cared for; she was only regarded as a burden. Thankfully she was sent to school, though the motive of her parents was far from educating her, it was only for getting rid of her worries. Years later, she raised her voice against her own marriage. The man demanded dowry to marry her and so Bholi rejected him. She took the steering of her life in her own hands in a society where marriage is the first and only priority of women. This quote of Maya Angelou suits perfectly to Bholi because being a young girl; she literally challenges the world, holding it by the lapels.

Long Answer Questions

Question 1. Education is always a great asset in the life of a woman. How did Bholi, an educated girl, face the challenge posed by Bishamber’s greed? (CBSE 2017)
Answer: Education is always a great asset in the life of a woman. It is one of the most critical areas of empowerment for women. Bholi, an educated girl, at first agreed to marry an old man because her father’s honour was at stake; she placed her family’s interest over her own. However, she later refused to marry him because she saw how greedy and contemptible he was. By demanding a hefty dowry, Bishamber took advantage of her looks and her father’s desperation to get her married. That is why she rejected the marriage and silenced those who called her shameless. All this was possible because education gave her the confidence needed to face the situation boldly.

Question 2. “Dowry is a negation of a girl’s dignity.” Prove this statement in the light of the story ‘Bholi’. How can this evil be eradicated from our society?
Answer: Dowry is a curse on our society. It has become a monster now. Dowry is, no doubt, a negation of a girl’s dignity. The moment Bishamber saw Bholi’s pockmarked face, he was not ready to marry her as agreed. He did not care for her dignity. But he was ready to marry her if her father would give him five thousand rupees as dowry. He was ready to compromise on her looks in exchange for money. It was a sheer negation of Bholi’s dignity. Education of girls is the most powerful weapon against this evil.