Bholi by K.A. Abbas 10

 

Chapter 9 – Bholi by K.A. Abbas

Word Meanings (Simple English)

• Pock-marks – spots or marks left by smallpox

• Backward child – slow learner, weak in studies

• Stammered – spoke with difficulty, repeating sounds

• Mimicked – copied someone to make fun

• Scurried – ran quickly

• Fear-laden voice – voice full of fear

• Compassion – kindness, pity

• Prosperous – rich, successful

• Contempt – strong dislike, disrespect

• Humiliation – insult, embarrassment

• Triumph – great victory, success

• Thunderstruck – shocked, surprised greatly

• Shameful – something bad, dishonourable

• Reverence – respect, honour

Summary (Simple English)

Bholi (real name – Sulekha) was the fourth daughter of Ramlal, a revenue officer. When she was a child, she fell from the cot and injured her brain. Later, she also got smallpox, which left her face full of marks. She stammered while speaking, so people made fun of her. Everyone thought she was a simpleton.

When she was seven, her father sent her to school. At first, she was nervous and scared, but the lady teacher spoke kindly to her. She encouraged Bholi and gave her hope that one day she would be respected and educated.

Years later, Bholi’s parents arranged her marriage to Bishamber, an old, greedy man. On the wedding day, Bishamber demanded a dowry of 5000 rupees because Bholi had pock-marks. Her father was ready to give the money, but Bholi refused the marriage boldly. She declared that she would not marry such a mean, greedy man.

Everyone was shocked. Bholi said she would serve her parents in their old age and teach in the school. Education gave her the confidence and courage to stand up for herself.

Textbook Question Answers

Q1. Bholi’s real name was Sulekha. Why was she called Bholi?

She was called Bholi because she was slow, simple, and stammered while speaking. Everyone considered her a fool. The name was given to mock her, as she was thought to be good for nothing.

Q2. Was the name Bholi affectionate or insulting?

The name “Bholi” was insulting. People did not call her that with love, but to make fun of her because she looked ugly, had pock-marks, and stammered. It showed the family’s neglect and disrespect for her.

Q3. Why did Sulekha stammer? Why was she neglected?

She stammered because she was nervous and had a weak brain due to childhood injury. She was neglected because she had pock-marks, stammered, and was considered ugly and foolish. Her family thought she would bring shame.

Q4. How did Bholi’s teacher change her life?

Bholi’s teacher spoke kindly and encouraged her to study and speak without fear. The teacher gave her hope and confidence. This education later gave Bholi strength to reject a greedy husband and live with self-respect.

Q5. Why did Bholi refuse to marry Bishamber?

She refused to marry Bishamber because he was greedy, old, and demanded five thousand rupees as dowry. She felt insulted by his behaviour and boldly decided not to marry such a mean and unfair person.

Q6. What does this tell us about Bholi’s character?

It shows Bholi was brave, confident, and self-respecting. Earlier she was shy and scared, but education gave her courage to fight against injustice. She preferred to remain unmarried rather than marrying a greedy, cruel person.

Q7. Why were Bholi’s parents worried about her marriage?

Her parents were worried because Bholi had pock-marks, stammered, and was not beautiful. They thought no one would agree to marry her. They feared she would remain unmarried and become a burden on the family.

Q8. How did Bholi’s life change after she went to school?

School completely changed Bholi’s life. Earlier she was scared, shy, and thought herself worthless. The teacher’s love and encouragement gave her confidence. Education transformed her into a bold, fearless woman who stood up for her rights.

1. How did Bholi’s teacher play an important role in changing the course of her life?

Bholi was a shy, nervous girl who stammered and lacked confidence. People in her family ignored her because of her looks and speech problem. At school, her teacher treated her kindly, which was a new experience for her. The teacher encouraged Bholi to speak without fear and praised her efforts. With love and patience, the teacher built her confidence and showed her that she was not less than anyone. Slowly, Bholi learned to read, write, and think for herself. Later, this confidence helped her take a bold stand against an unfair marriage. Thus, her teacher played the most important role in changing Bholi’s life from a timid girl into a strong, self-respecting woman.

2. Why did Bholi at first agree to an unequal match? Why did she later reject the marriage? What does it tell about her?

At first, Bholi agreed to marry Bishamber, an old man, because her family thought no one else would marry her. She wanted to make her parents happy and accepted the match quietly. However, during the wedding, Bishamber demanded dowry because of her pockmarked face. This insult angered Bholi. She refused to marry him, showing courage and self-respect. Her rejection proved that she valued dignity more than marriage. It also showed her confidence, honesty, and independence of thought. From a shy girl, Bholi grew into a brave young woman who could take control of her own life. Her decision reflects her strength of character and her refusal to bow before injustice.

3. Bholi’s real name is Sulekha. We are told this right at the beginning. 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?

In the beginning, Bholi was called by her nickname, which meant “simpleton,” because she was considered weak, foolish, and backward. Everyone ignored her real identity. But by the end of the story, she had changed completely. She had gained confidence, learned self-respect, and showed wisdom by rejecting an unfair marriage. At this moment, the author calls her by her real name, Sulekha. This shows that she was no longer the timid “Bholi” everyone once pitied. She had become a mature and intelligent woman. Using her real name symbolizes her transformation and the discovery of her true self. It marks the victory of her strength, education, and courage over society’s cruelty.

4. 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?

This story shows problems like neglect of girls, dowry, and lack of education. To change these attitudes, I would first treat everyone with respect, whether rich or poor, beautiful or plain. I would encourage girls to study and support equal opportunities for them. Education is the strongest tool to fight social evils, so I would spread awareness about the importance of sending girls to school. I would also speak against wrong practices like dowry and child marriage. Like Bholi’s teacher, I would motivate others with kindness and help them believe in themselves. By standing against injustice and promoting equality, each one of us can contribute to building a fairer and happier society.