RBSE Solutions Class 10 English Supplementary Reader Chapter 2 Bholi

Comprehension

A. Tick the Correct Alternative:

Question 1. At what age did Bholi have an attack of smallpox?
(a) two years
(b) three years
(c) four years
(d) five years
Answer: (a) two years
In simple words: Bholi was two years old when she got smallpox. This caused her face to be covered with pock-marks.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember key details like age and specific events to answer such factual questions accurately.

Question 2. Who insisted on Ramlal to send his daughter to school?
(a) Teacher
(b) Numberdar
(c) Tehsildar
(d) Bishamber
Answer: (c) Tehsildar
In simple words: The Tehsildar, a government officer, told Ramlal that he should send his daughter to school. This was important because Ramlal was a village official.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the specific character responsible for a particular action or instruction in the story.

Question 3. What did the teacher give to Bholi on the first day of her school?
(a) sweets
(b) book
(c) clothes
(d) note book
Answer: (b) book
In simple words: Bholi's teacher gave her a book on her very first day at school. This helped her feel welcome and encouraged her to learn.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the details of Bholi's first school experience and the teacher's positive actions.

B. State Whether the Statements Given Below are True (T) or False (F):

Question 1. Sulekha was the first daughter of Numberdar Ramlal.
Answer: False
In simple words: Sulekha, also known as Bholi, was not the first daughter; she was the fourth child. Ramlal had several other children before her.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay close attention to family details and birth order mentioned in the story to avoid errors.

Question 2. Bholi's mother was an educated woman.
Answer: False
In simple words: Bholi's mother was not educated. She held traditional views about girls and education.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the background of Bholi's family, especially her mother's views and education level.

Question 3. Ramlal's wife was in a hurry to marry Bholi off to anyone.
Answer: True
In simple words: Ramlal's wife was eager to get Bholi married quickly to anyone suitable. She felt it was difficult because of Bholi's looks and perceived lack of sense.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note the parents' concerns and desires regarding Bholi's marriage in the story.

Question 4. Bholi did not enjoy her first day at school.
Answer: False
In simple words: Bholi did enjoy her first day at school. She felt comfortable seeing other girls her age and hoped to make a friend.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember Bholi's feelings about her first school experience, which marked a positive turning point for her.

Question 5. The teacher told Bholi to speak without fear.
Answer: True
In simple words: The teacher encouraged Bholi to speak without being afraid. This encouragement helped Bholi overcome her stammer.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the teacher's key role in building Bholi's confidence and helping her overcome her difficulties.

C. Answer the Following Questions in About 20-25 Words Each:

Question 2. Why did the other children make fun of Bholi?
Answer: Bholi had never been to school before and felt out of place. When the teacher asked her name, she could only stammer "Bh-Bho-Bho" due to her condition. Hearing her stammer, the other children in the classroom laughed loudly, finding it amusing. This made Bholi feel very self-conscious and sad. Her difficulty in speaking clearly was an easy target for their teasing.
In simple words: Other children made fun of Bholi because she stammered when she tried to speak. They laughed at her difficulty in saying her name.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain both the cause (stammering) and the reaction (laughter) when describing why Bholi was teased.

Question 3. Write a short note on Ramlal's family.
Answer: Ramlal was a prosperous farmer and a village official. He had seven children: three sons and four daughters. His sons were sent to the city for education, first to schools and then to colleges. The family had enough to eat and drink. As a government representative in the village, Ramlal was well-respected by everyone. This shows he was a prominent figure in the community.
In simple words: Ramlal was a respected farmer with seven children. His sons went to college, and he was important in the village.

🎯 Exam Tip: Include details about Ramlal's profession, family size, children's education, and social standing for a complete description.

Question 4. Why was Bholi's father worried about her?
Answer: Bholi's father, Ramlal, was worried about her because she had fallen off a cot when she was young, damaging part of her brain. This made her a "backward child" who was slow to learn and spoke with a stammer. She also had pock-marks all over her body from smallpox. Ramlal feared that because of her looks and lack of intelligence, no one would marry her. He knew these challenges would make it hard for her future.
In simple words: Bholi's father worried because she had pock-marks and seemed slow. He feared no one would want to marry her.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state Bholi's physical and mental challenges as the reasons for her father's concern about her future.

Question 5. Why was Bholi sent to school?
Answer: Bholi was sent to school because the Tehsildar, a government official, specifically asked Ramlal to do so. As a revenue official and government representative in the village, Ramlal could not refuse the Tehsildar's request. The Tehsildar wanted Ramlal to set an example for the other villagers by sending his daughter to school. This was an important social expectation in the village.
In simple words: Bholi was sent to school because the Tehsildar told her father, Ramlal, to do it. Ramlal had to obey the Tehsildar because he was a government official too.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the Tehsildar's influence and Ramlal's position as a reason for sending Bholi to school.

Question 6. What did Bholi's mother say after receiving the proposal from Bishamber?
Answer: After Bishamber's proposal, Bholi's mother urged Ramlal to accept it. She considered Bholi lucky to get such a rich bridegroom, even though Bishamber was much older (forty-five or fifty is not a big age for a man, in her opinion). She also believed they were fortunate that he didn't know about Bholi's pock-marks or her perceived lack of sense. Her mother's main concern was securing a husband for Bholi.
In simple words: Bholi's mother thought Bishamber's proposal was good. She believed Bholi was lucky to get a rich husband, even an older one, and that he didn't know about Bholi's flaws.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain the mother's perspective on Bishamber's proposal, focusing on her priorities and what she considered fortunate.

D. Answer the Following Questions in About 30-40 Words Each:

Question 1. What was the situation in the classroom when Bholi attended the school for the first time?
Answer: When Bholi first entered the classroom, she was unfamiliar with school. She saw many girls sitting on mats, either reading books or writing on slates. Bholi felt happy to be among so many other girls. She started hoping that one of them might become her friend. The lively atmosphere of learning was a new and positive experience for her.
In simple words: Bholi found many girls reading or writing on slates in the classroom. She felt happy and hoped to make a friend there.

🎯 Exam Tip: Describe Bholi's initial feelings and observations to show her early reaction to school.

Question 2. What major changes were visible in the village in a few years?
Answer: In just a few years, the village underwent significant changes. It transformed into a small town, and the small primary school was upgraded to a high school. A cinema hall was built under a tin shed, and a cotton ginning mill was established. Even the village railway station gained importance, with mail trains now stopping there. This growth showed how quickly the area was developing.
In simple words: The village changed into a town, the school became a high school, and a cinema hall and cotton mill were built. Mail trains also started stopping at the station.

🎯 Exam Tip: List the specific developments—infrastructure, education, and economy—to show the village's transformation.

Question 3. Why did Ramlal place his turban at Bishamber's feet?
Answer: Ramlal placed his turban at Bishamber's feet because Bishamber initially refused to marry Bholi after seeing her pock-marks. He then demanded Rs 5,000 as dowry, threatening to leave with his friends if his demand wasn't met. As a respected man in the village, Ramlal was desperate to save his honor and avoid public humiliation. Placing his turban at someone's feet is a sign of extreme humility and begging for mercy.
In simple words: Ramlal put his turban at Bishamber's feet to beg him. Bishamber demanded Rs 5,000 as dowry and threatened to cancel the wedding, which would disgrace Ramlal.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain the significance of placing a turban at someone's feet as a gesture of profound appeal or submission to protect one's honor.

Question 4. Why did Bholi refuse to marry Bishamber?
Answer: Bholi refused to marry Bishamber because he was a greedy and disrespectful man. He not only demanded Rs 5,000 as dowry right at the wedding, but also insulted her by pointing out her pock-marks and perceived lack of sense. Bholi, empowered by her teacher's teachings, saw his true character and would not tolerate such a person. She threw the garland into the fire, showing her firm decision.
In simple words: Bholi refused to marry Bishamber because he was greedy and demanded dowry. He also insulted her, making her realize he was not a good person.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on Bishamber's negative traits (greed, disrespect) and Bholi's newfound confidence as reasons for her refusal.

E. Answer the Following Questions in About 60-80 Words Each:

Question 1. Draw a character sketch of Bholi.
Answer: Bholi, whose real name was Sulekha, was a backward child from an early age due to a head injury. She was never given importance at home and led a difficult life, further marked by smallpox scars and a stammer. However, her life transformed when she started school. Her teacher played a crucial role in building her confidence, helping her overcome her stammer and developing her into a bold, intelligent, and courageous individual. Bholi learned to distinguish between right and wrong. Her refusal to marry the greedy Bishamber highlighted her strength and newfound self-respect, proving she was no longer a simple Bholi, but a strong young woman.
In simple words: Bholi was a quiet, shy girl with pock-marks and a stammer due to a childhood accident. Her teacher helped her become confident, brave, and smart. She eventually stood up for herself and refused a bad marriage proposal, showing great courage.

🎯 Exam Tip: Describe Bholi's journey from a neglected, timid child to a confident, strong-willed woman, emphasizing the teacher's impact.

Question 3. What was the role of the school teacher in Bholi's life?
Answer: The school teacher played a transformative role in Bholi's life. Initially, Bholi was a shy, innocent, and stammering child with little sense due to a childhood brain injury. She was mocked by others. The teacher, however, never made fun of her. Instead, she encouraged Bholi to speak without fear, promising that daily school attendance would help her speak properly. The teacher's kind words and constant support motivated Bholi deeply, making her believe in herself. She taught Bholi the importance of education and self-respect, changing her from a timid girl into a bold, confident, and intelligent woman who could discern right from wrong.
In simple words: Bholi's teacher completely changed her life. She helped Bholi overcome her stammer and gain confidence by encouraging her and teaching her the value of education. The teacher's kindness made Bholi brave and intelligent.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the teacher's specific actions and their direct impact on Bholi's personality and development, highlighting key adjectives like "transformative" or "pivotal."

Activity

Question 1. After having read the story, you must have realised the evils of the dowry system. Deliver a speech in the assembly at your school on the eradication of dowry system in India.
Answer: Good morning, everyone. The story of Bholi has deeply shown us the severe problems caused by the dowry system. This evil practice still exists in our society, even after many years of independence and laws against it. The main issue is that society itself sometimes accepts dowry. To truly end it, we must target the root cause. Dowry should be stopped right at the marriage proposal stage. The police must take strict action, raiding weddings where dowry is exchanged and arresting those involved, including the groom and bride's families. People who give dowry should also face punishment to create fear. Society will then understand that dowry-hungry individuals might remain unmarried because no one will offer dowry. We need to stop extravagant weddings and set up hotline numbers where people can report dowry demands. Marriages should be officially registered, and couples must pledge that no dowry was taken. By working together, we can make dowry a thing of the past for a healthier society.
In simple words: The dowry system is a big problem shown in Bholi's story. We must stop it by taking strict action against those who give or take dowry. Everyone in society must work together to make sure dowry does not happen anymore.

🎯 Exam Tip: When delivering a speech on a social issue, clearly state the problem, explain its impact, and propose concrete solutions or actions for its eradication.