by K.A. Abbas
NCERT Questions & Answers + Important Extra Questions
NCERT Textbook Questions
Why is Bholi's father worried about her?
Answer
Ramlal, Bholi's father, is worried because: (i) Bholi (real name Sulekha) is the youngest of seven children and considered the least fortunate. (ii) She fell off a cot as a baby, which damaged part of her brain — making her mentally slow. (iii) At age two, she got smallpox, which left her face covered in pockmarks — making her "ugly" by society's standards. (iv) She stammers badly — other children mock her, so she rarely speaks. (v) She is considered unmarriageable — in the village context, a girl with pockmarks, a stammer, and slow mental development has no marriage prospects. (vi) Ramlal worries about what will happen to her after his death — who will take care of her? His other daughters are all married, but no one wants Bholi.
Why does Bholi__( at first not want to go to school?
Answer
Bholi didn't want to go to school because: (i) She had never been anywhere before — she had never left the village or been in any new environment. (ii) She was afraid of the unknown — she didn't know what school was or what would happen there. (iii) She remembered that her old cow, Lakshmi, had been taken away and never came back — she feared the same would happen to her. (iv) She was used to being neglected and ignored at home — she didn't trust that anything good could happen to her. (v) However, when her mother gave her clean clothes (for the first time) and bathed her, Bholi thought something good might be happening — and eventually went willingly.
How does the teacher change Bholi's life?
Answer
The teacher at the village school transforms Bholi's life completely: (i) She is the first person to speak kindly to Bholi — she speaks in a "sweet and soothing voice," unlike the mockery Bholi is used to. (ii) She tells Bholi she doesn't need to be afraid — encouraging her to speak even though she stammers. (iii) She doesn't laugh at Bholi's stammer or appearance — she treats her with respect and patience. (iv) She gives Bholi a book with colourful pictures — awakening her interest in learning. (v) She promises Bholi that if she comes to school regularly, she will become so learned that no one will laugh at her. (vi) This promise gives Bholi hope and confidence for the first time — she cries happy tears, realising her life can change. The teacher represents the transformative power of education and kindness.
Why does Bholi refuse to marry Bishamber?
Answer
Bholi refuses to marry Bishamber Nath because: (i) On the wedding day, Bishamber demands a dowry of 5,000 rupees when he sees Bholi's pockmarked face after lifting the veil — he is greedy and shallow. (ii) He insulted Bholi by refusing to marry her unless paid extra — treating her like a defective product that needs a discount. (iii) By this time, Bholi has been educated for years — she has gained confidence, self-respect, and the ability to think for herself. (iv) She throws the wedding garland into the fire and declares she will not marry "this greedy man" — even if it means never marrying. (v) She tells her father she will teach at the school and take care of her parents in their old age. This is a powerful moment of female empowerment — education gave Bholi the courage to reject exploitation and choose her own path.
Important Extra Questions
What is the message of the story?
Answer
(i) Education empowers: Bholi's transformation from a scared, stammering, neglected child to a confident, self-respecting woman who rejects a greedy groom is entirely due to education. (ii) Kindness changes lives: One kind teacher did what Bholi's entire family couldn't — gave her confidence and hope. (iii) Don't judge by appearances: Bholi was dismissed as "ugly" and "stupid" because of pockmarks and a stammer — but she turned out to be the bravest and most principled person in her family. (iv) Women deserve dignity: Bholi's refusal to accept a dowry-demanding husband is a rejection of the commodification of women in marriage. (v) Parents must invest in daughters: Ramlal only sent Bholi to school because he had no other option — but education proved to be the best thing he ever did for her.
How does Bholi's character develop through the story?
Answer
Bholi undergoes a remarkable transformation: (i) Beginning: She is a scared, silent child — brain-damaged from a fall, pockmarked from smallpox, stammering, mocked by everyone, neglected by her family. She doesn't speak because people laugh at her. (ii) Middle: School changes everything — the teacher's kindness gives her confidence. She learns to read, write, and speak. She gains knowledge and self-respect. (iii) End: She is a confident, articulate, courageous young woman who publicly rejects a greedy groom, refuses to be treated as a burden, and declares she will teach and support her parents. The same girl who couldn't say her own name without stammering now speaks boldly in front of the entire village. Her journey shows that every person has potential — they just need opportunity and encouragement.