CBSE Class 10 English Footprints NCERT Solutions Chapter 9: Bholi

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 10 PDF

This chapter focuses on the NCERT Solutions for 'Bholi', a story from CBSE Class 10 English (Footprints). The solutions delve into Bholi's life, her challenges with speech and appearance, and her journey towards self-confidence. Key aspects explored include her father's worries, the reasons for her attending school, her experiences on the first day, and the pivotal role of her teacher. The solutions also analyze the circumstances surrounding her proposed marriage, the groom's dowry demands, and Bholi's eventual courageous rejection of the unequal match. These detailed answers help students understand character development, societal pressures, and the transformative power of education, making them an invaluable resource for exam revision.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 10
Subject	Footprints
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	9. Bholi

Chapter summary

This chapter's NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 10 English (Footprints) cover the story 'Bholi'. It addresses Bholi's initial insecurities due to her appearance and speech, her father's concerns, and the unconventional reasons she is sent to school. The solutions explore her first day at school, her teacher's influence, and the reasons behind accepting and later rejecting a marriage proposal due to dowry demands. The focus is on Bholi's transformation and newfound self-respect.

Learning outcomes

Understand the challenges faced by Bholi due to her appearance and speech.
Analyze the reasons behind Bholi's father's worries and her enrollment in school.
Evaluate the impact of the teacher's encouragement on Bholi's confidence.
Explain the societal pressures related to marriage and dowry depicted in the story.
Identify Bholi's transformation from a timid girl to a self-assured individual.
Discuss the theme of education as a tool for empowerment.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Bholi's initial insecurities
Parental concerns and societal expectations
The role of education in empowerment
Teacher's influence on a student's life
Marriage proposals and dowry system
Bholi's character development
Self-respect and courage
Overcoming personal flaws
The story 'Bholi'

Important topics

The transformative power of education
Bholi's journey to self-confidence
Critique of the dowry system
The role of teachers in shaping lives
Bholi's assertion of self-respect

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Questions and Solutions

Read and Find Out - Page 54, Question 1

Why is Bholi's father worried about her?

Solution: Bholi's father, Ramlal, is deeply worried about Bholi because she is not blessed with good looks and lacks intelligence. He is concerned about her future prospects, particularly finding a suitable husband for her, as he believes her deficiencies make her an undesirable match.

Read and Find Out - Page 54, Question 2

For what unusual reasons is Bholi sent to school?

Solution: Bholi is sent to school for a couple of unusual reasons. Firstly, her parents see little chance of her getting married due to her plain appearance and perceived lack of sense. Secondly, the village headman (Tahsildar) had ordered the village to send their children to school, and Ramlal, as the village revenue official, felt compelled to set an example by sending his own daughter, Bholi.

Read and Find Out - Page 55, Question 1

Does Bholi enjoy her first day at school?

Solution: Yes, Bholi surprisingly enjoys her first day at school. Although initially apprehensive, she finds herself glad to be in an environment with many girls of her own age. She hopes that these girls might become her friends, which offers her a sense of belonging and comfort.

Read and Find Out - Page 55, Question 2

Does she find her teacher different from the people at home?

Solution: Yes, Bholi finds her teacher to be significantly different from the people she knows at home. The teacher's kind, affectionate, and polite demeanor is a novel experience for Bholi. This gentle treatment touches her heart and makes her feel safe and respected, unlike the often neglectful or critical treatment she receives at home.

Read and Find Out - Page 58, Question 1

Why do Bholi's parents accept Bishamber's marriage proposal?

Solution: Bholi's parents accept Bishamber's marriage proposal primarily out of desperation and a sense of obligation. Bishamber is a well-to-do widower, and they fear that if they don't accept this proposal, Bholi, with her perceived flaws, might remain unmarried for the rest of her life. They also believe he is unaware of her pock-marks and stammer, and he is not asking for a dowry initially.

Read and Find Out - Page 58, Question 2

Why does the marriage not take place?

Solution: The marriage does not take place because, during the wedding ceremony, the groom, Bishamber, notices Bholi's pock-marked face. He then demands a dowry of five thousand rupees from her parents, calling Bholi a "crippled" and "brainless" girl. This display of greed and disrespect shocks everyone and leads to the abrupt cancellation of the wedding.

Think about It - Page 62, Question 1

Bholi had many apprehensions about going to school. What made her feel that she was going to a better place than her home?

Solution: Bholi had many apprehensions about school, fearing it would be as harsh as her home. However, a few things made her feel she was going to a better place. She was given a new dress, bathed, and her hair was oiled and neatly tied. This special attention, similar to how their old cow Lakshmi was prepared before being sold, made her feel cared for. The clean clothes and the prospect of meeting other girls also offered a glimmer of hope for a more positive experience than her home life.

Think about It - Page 62, Question 2

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

Solution: Bholi's teacher played a pivotal role in transforming her life. From the very first day, the teacher treated Bholi with exceptional kindness, politeness, and affection, which deeply impacted the neglected girl. She encouraged Bholi to overcome her stammer by patiently listening to her and praising her efforts. This consistent support and belief in Bholi's potential helped her gain confidence, learn to read and write fluently, and ultimately develop the courage to stand up for herself and reject an unjust marriage.

Think about It - Page 62, Question 3

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

Solution: Initially, Bholi agreed to the unequal match with Bishamber because, like many girls in traditional Indian society, she was conditioned to obey her parents' wishes and feared remaining unmarried. She felt lucky to be considered by a seemingly well-to-do groom who owned a shop and house and initially wasn't asking for dowry. She also heard her mother mention that he was unaware of her flaws. However, she later rejected the marriage when Bishamber callously demanded a large dowry upon seeing her pock-marked face, revealing his greedy and disrespectful nature. This incident, coupled with her father's humiliation, ignited her sense of self-respect. This transformation tells us that Bholi, empowered by her education and the confidence it brought, had developed a strong sense of self-worth. She valued dignity and respect over societal pressure and security, demonstrating her newfound independence and moral courage.

Common mistakes

Overlooking the subtle reasons for Bholi's initial reluctance to go to school.
Not fully appreciating the teacher's role in building Bholi's confidence.
Confusing Bholi's initial agreement to the marriage with her true feelings.
Failing to connect Bholi's rejection of the marriage to her education and self-respect.

Revision tips

Focus on Bholi's character arc and the key events that shape her transformation.
Pay close attention to the dialogue and interactions that reveal Bholi's feelings and the societal context.
Understand the significance of the teacher's role and the impact of education.
Analyze the reasons behind the rejection of the marriage proposal and its implications.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What was the primary reason for Bholi's father's worry regarding her future?

Q2. Why was Bholi sent to school, according to the story?

Q3. How did Bholi feel on her first day at school?

Q4. What quality of Bholi's teacher made a significant impact on her?

Q5. Why did Bholi's parents initially agree to the marriage proposal from Bishamber?

Q6. What ultimately caused Bholi to reject the marriage proposal?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of the story 'Bholi'?

The main theme of 'Bholi' is the transformative power of education and how it can help an individual, especially a girl, overcome insecurities, gain confidence, and assert their self-respect against societal injustices like the dowry system.

Why was Bholi considered 'simple' or 'backward'?

Bholi was considered simple or backward because she had a fall in her childhood that affected her brain slightly, and she stammered. Her face was also pock-marked, making her appear unattractive.

How did Bholi's teacher help her?

Bholi's teacher was kind, affectionate, and encouraging. She praised Bholi's reading and writing, which instilled confidence in her, helping her overcome her stammer and feel valued.

What incident led to the cancellation of Bholi's marriage?

The marriage was cancelled when the groom, Bishamber, demanded a dowry of five thousand rupees upon seeing Bholi's pock-marked face, which Bholi's father reluctantly agreed to pay. However, Bholi refused to marry him.

What does Bholi decide to do at the end of the story?

At the end of the story, Bholi decides not to marry Bishamber and declares that she will serve her parents and teach in the same school where she learned so much, dedicating her life to educating other children.

What message does the story 'Bholi' convey about education?

The story conveys that education is a powerful tool for empowerment, enabling individuals to develop confidence, critical thinking, and the courage to stand up against injustice and societal pressures.

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