NCERT Class 10 Footprints without Feet Chapter Bholi Extra Question Answers

Introduction to the Story:

“Bholi” is a heartwarming short story written by K.A. Abbas. It revolves around the life of a simple, timid girl named Bholi, who faces rejection and ridicule from society due to her physical appearance and slow development. Despite her challenges, Bholi undergoes a transformative journey through education. The story emphasizes the importance of self-respect, education, and inner strength as Bholi eventually stands up for herself, rejecting societal norms that degrade her dignity.

Here are some 3-mark and 6-mark questions with value points and answers:

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3-Marks Questions

1. Why was Bholi considered different from other children?
   • Value Points:
     • Bholi’s real name was Sulekha, but she was called Bholi because of her simplicity.
     • She had a slow development due to a head injury as a child.
     • She stammered and had pockmarks on her face from smallpox.
   Answer: Bholi was considered different from other children because she had a slow mental development due to a head injury when she was young. She also stammered while speaking and had pockmarks on her face from a smallpox attack. These factors made her seem simple and timid, earning her the name “Bholi.”
2. How did Bholi’s parents treat her, and why?
   • Value Points:
     • Bholi’s parents were indifferent to her because she was not considered beautiful or intelligent.
     • They did not have high expectations for her future, especially in terms of marriage.
     • They treated her differently from their other children.
   Answer: Bholi’s parents treated her with indifference because they did not consider her beautiful or intelligent. They did not have high hopes for her future, particularly regarding marriage, and they treated her differently from their other children, seeing her as a burden.
3. Why did Bholi’s father decide to send her to school?
   • Value Points:
     • The Tehsildar convinced Bholi’s father that sending girls to school was important.
     • Bholi’s parents didn’t care much because they thought she would never get married.
     • The school was seen as a way to keep Bholi busy.
   Answer: Bholi’s father decided to send her to school after being convinced by the Tehsildar that educating girls was important. Her parents didn’t expect her to marry due to her appearance and stammer, so they thought it wouldn’t harm her future and would keep her occupied.
4. How did Bholi feel on her first day of school?
   • Value Points:
     • Bholi was initially frightened and nervous about going to school.
     • She felt out of place because of her stammer and her lack of confidence.
     • She was unsure of what to expect from the school environment.
   Answer: On her first day of school, Bholi was frightened and nervous. She felt out of place due to her stammer and lack of confidence, and she was unsure of what to expect from the new environment, which made her very anxious.
5. How did Bholi’s teacher encourage her in school?
   • Value Points:
     • The teacher treated Bholi with kindness and patience.
     • She encouraged Bholi to speak without fear, helping her gain confidence.
     • The teacher’s supportive attitude helped Bholi slowly overcome her fear of stammering.
   Answer: Bholi’s teacher encouraged her by treating her with kindness and patience. She gently urged Bholi to speak without fear, helping her gain confidence. This supportive approach helped Bholi start overcoming her fear of stammering and boosted her self-esteem.

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6-Marks Questions

1. How did education change Bholi’s life?
   • Value Points:
     • Initially, Bholi was timid, insecure, and lacked confidence.
     • Education helped her gain self-confidence and develop her personality.
     • She learned to stand up for her rights, realizing her own worth.
     • Bholi eventually used her education to reject an unfair marriage proposal, asserting her independence.
   Answer: Education changed Bholi’s life by transforming her from a timid, insecure girl into a confident young woman. Through the support of her teacher, she gained self-esteem and realized her own worth. Education empowered her to stand up for her rights, and she ultimately rejected an unfair marriage proposal, asserting her independence and dignity.
2. Describe the scene when Bholi rejects her marriage to Bishamber. What did this decision signify?
   • Value Points:
     • Bishamber demanded a dowry despite Bholi’s father’s poor financial state.
     • When Bishamber insulted Bholi’s family by asking for money, Bholi stood up for herself.
     • She refused to marry a man who was greedy and disrespectful.
     • This decision signified Bholi’s self-respect and confidence.
   Answer: When Bishamber demanded a dowry at the time of marriage, Bholi’s father offered the money despite being financially strained. However, when Bishamber further insulted Bholi’s family, Bholi stood up for herself and refused to marry him. This decision was a powerful moment in the story, signifying Bholi’s newfound self-respect, confidence, and unwillingness to tolerate injustice, even if it meant rejecting marriage.
3. What role did Bholi’s teacher play in her transformation?
   • Value Points:
     • The teacher showed Bholi kindness and compassion, unlike others in her life.
     • She encouraged Bholi to speak confidently and not be ashamed of her stammer.
     • The teacher nurtured Bholi’s self-esteem, helping her become aware of her worth.
     • This support led to Bholi’s eventual empowerment and ability to stand up for herself.
   Answer: Bholi’s teacher played a crucial role in her transformation by showing her kindness, patience, and encouragement. The teacher helped Bholi overcome her fears, especially her stammer, and taught her to believe in herself. She nurtured Bholi’s self-esteem and helped her realize her own worth, which eventually led to Bholi standing up for herself and rejecting societal expectations.
4. Why did Bholi’s parents agree to her marriage with Bishamber, despite his demand for dowry?
   • Value Points:
     • Bholi’s parents thought it was a good match because Bishamber was wealthy.
     • They believed that Bholi, due to her appearance and stammer, wouldn’t get another proposal.
     • They were desperate to see Bholi married and accepted the dowry demand to secure her future.
   Answer: Bholi’s parents agreed to her marriage with Bishamber because they believed it was a good match, as Bishamber was wealthy and appeared respectable. Given Bholi’s appearance and stammer, they thought she might not receive another proposal. Out of desperation to see Bholi married, they accepted Bishamber’s dowry demand to secure her future, despite the financial burden.
5. How does the story “Bholi” highlight the importance of self-respect and education?
   • Value Points:
     • Bholi’s transformation from a timid girl to a confident woman is driven by education.
     • Education empowered her to recognize her worth and stand up for herself.
     • The story illustrates how self-respect and dignity are more important than societal expectations, especially in the context of marriage.
     • It promotes the idea that education helps individuals break free from oppression and injustice.
   Answer: “Bholi” highlights the importance of self-respect and education through Bholi’s journey from a timid, insecure girl to a confident young woman. Education empowered Bholi to recognize her worth, reject an unfair marriage proposal, and stand up for herself. The story emphasizes that self-respect and dignity should not be compromised for societal norms, especially regarding marriage. It also shows how education can liberate individuals from oppression and pave the way for equality and justice.