Footprints Without Feet · Chapter 8
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English: Bholi
by K.A. Abbas
"Bholi" tells the story of Sulekha, nicknamed Bholi, a girl scarred by smallpox and burdened with a stammer, who grows up overlooked and undervalued by her own family. K.A. Abbas uses her quiet, painful childhood to examine how Indian society of the time treated girls considered plain or "less marriageable," and how education becomes the one force capable of restoring her dignity, confidence, and voice. The story builds steadily toward a powerful moment of self-respect, when Bholi, now transformed by schooling, refuses a marriage built on deceit and dowry. ThisNCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter gives Myclass24 students a complete chapter breakdown, a free downloadable PDF, organised tables for quick revision, and answers to the most frequently searched exam questions on this story.
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Chapter Focus: Education as the Path to Self-Respect
Bholi's early years are marked by neglect rather than cruelty — her parents are not villains, but products of a society that measured a daughter's worth by her appearance and marriageability. What changes everything is her admission to the village school, where a compassionate teacher treats her with patience instead of pity. Slowly, her stammer eases, her confidence grows, and she begins to see herself as more than her scars. This transformation culminates in the story's defining moment: when her intended groom, Bishamber, reveals his true greed by demanding a lower dowry due to her missing teeth, Bholi calmly rejects the marriage altogether, choosing self-respect over a socially "acceptable" match built on dishonesty. Also read NCERT Solutions for Class 10 and NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English.
For exams, this chapter is most often tested through questions on the transformative power of education, Bholi's emotional journey, and the chapter's critique of dowry and discrimination against girls. Strong answers connect specific incidents — her first day at school, her teacher's encouragement, the broken engagement — to the larger theme of education enabling self-worth.
Quick Character Guide
| Character | Role in the Story | Key Trait |
|---|---|---|
| Bholi (Sulekha) | The protagonist; a girl who grows from neglected child to confident young woman | Initially timid, ultimately courageous and self-respecting |
| Bholi's Teacher | Helps Bholi overcome her stammer and gain confidence | Patient, encouraging, instrumental in her growth |
| Bishamber | The man who agrees to marry Bholi, then bargains over dowry | Greedy, dishonest, ultimately rejected by Bholi |
| Bholi's Parents | Arrange her marriage based on social convention | Conventional, influenced by societal expectations around dowry |
Themes and Quick Facts at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Social realist narrative fiction |
| Setting | A village in India, spanning Bholi's childhood to early adulthood |
| Central Theme | Education as empowerment; rejection of dowry and discrimination against girls |
| Turning Point | Bholi's refusal to marry Bishamber after his dowry demand |
| Tone | Reflective, socially critical, ultimately hopeful |
| Common Exam Tags | education & empowermentsocial issuescharacter growthextract-based Q&A |
Questions
Who is the author of Bholi?
The story is written by K.A. Abbas, an Indian writer and filmmaker known for addressing social issues through accessible, emotionally direct storytelling.
Why is Bholi treated differently by her family?
Childhood smallpox leaves her with facial scars and a stammer, and her family, shaped by social attitudes about appearance and marriageability, comes to see her as a burden.
How does education change Bholi's life?
School gives her confidence and a sense of identity beyond her physical appearance, and a supportive teacher helps her overcome her stammer, eventually giving her the courage to reject an unfair marriage.
Is Bholi important for the Class 10 CBSE exam?
Yes. It is regularly tested through questions on the theme of education, Bholi's personal transformation, and the story's commentary on dowry and gender bias.
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 8: Bholi – FAQs
Bholi's transformation is one of the most inspiring aspects of the chapter. As a child, she is neglected because of her appearance and speech difficulties. Constant ridicule makes her shy and fearful. However, her teacher treats her with kindness, patience, and encouragement, helping her gain confidence. Through education, Bholi learns to express herself and recognize her self-worth. Her growth becomes evident when she refuses to marry a greedy man who insults her family. This decision demonstrates her independence and courage. The chapter highlights how education can empower individuals and transform their lives.
Education acts as the turning point in Bholi's life. Before attending school, she lacks confidence and struggles to communicate effectively. Her teacher creates a supportive environment that allows her to overcome her fears and develop her abilities. Through learning, Bholi gains knowledge, self-respect, and the confidence to make her own decisions. Education helps her challenge social prejudices and refuse unfair treatment. The chapter presents education as a powerful tool for personal growth and social change. It shows that learning not only provides knowledge but also builds character and independence.
Bholi refuses to marry Bishamber Nath because she recognizes his greed and disrespect. During the wedding ceremony, he demands money from her father after noticing marks on her face. Instead of remaining silent, Bholi boldly rejects the marriage proposal. Her decision reflects the confidence and self-respect she has developed through education. She understands that a relationship based on greed cannot bring happiness or dignity. This moment marks her complete transformation from a frightened child into a strong and independent woman. The chapter celebrates courage and the importance of standing against injustice.
The chapter addresses important social issues such as gender discrimination, dowry, and the neglect of children with disabilities. Through Bholi's experiences, readers see how society often judges people based on appearance rather than character. The story strongly advocates education as a means of empowerment and equality. It also criticizes the dowry system by showing the selfish behavior of Bishamber Nath. Bholi's refusal to accept humiliation sends a powerful message about self-respect and personal dignity. The chapter encourages readers to value individuals for their abilities and character rather than external appearance.