NCERT Class 10 English – Footprints Without Feet – Chapter 8: Bholi
Exercise Questions: Short Answers & Simple Explanations
Q1. Why is Bholi’s father worried about her?
Answer: Bholi’s father worries because she is dull, has pockmarks, and stammers, which makes him think she will never get married.
Explanation: Her physical appearance and speech problems made her a source of concern for her father in a society that judged girls harshly.
Q2. For what unusual reasons is Bholi sent to school?
Answer: She is sent to school because the local officials suggest it and her parents think she is useless for marriage.
Explanation: Unlike other children, Bholi is sent not to learn but because her parents feel they have nothing to lose by sending her.
Q3. Does Bholi enjoy her first day at school?
Answer: Yes, she enjoys it. Her teacher’s kindness and encouragement make her feel respected for the first time.
Explanation: The warmth and patience of the teacher give Bholi new confidence and hope for her future.
Q4. Does she find her teacher different from the people at home?
Answer: Yes, her teacher is gentle and caring, unlike her family, who always ignored or scolded her.
Explanation: The teacher’s kindness shows Bholi that not everyone mocks or mistreats her; this changes her view of herself.
Q5. Why do Bholi’s parents accept Bishamber’s marriage proposal?
Answer: They accept because Bishamber is rich and from another village, and they think this is their only chance to marry her off.
Explanation: They care more about social reputation than Bholi’s happiness, ignoring that the groom is much older and greedy.
Q6. Why does the marriage not take place?
Answer: The marriage stops when Bholi refuses to marry Bishamber after he demands dowry upon seeing her pockmarks.
Explanation: Bholi gains courage from her education and self-respect; she rejects injustice and humiliation.
Q7. Bholi had many fears about going to school. What made her feel she was going to a better place than her home?
Answer: Her teacher’s kind voice and gentle behavior made her feel safe and cared for, unlike at home.
Explanation: At school, she experienced respect and love for the first time, which gave her a sense of belonging.
Q8. How did Bholi’s teacher play an important role in changing the course of her life?
Answer: The teacher encouraged Bholi to speak, study, and believe in herself, building her confidence and independence.
Explanation: Through education and empathy, the teacher transformed Bholi from a timid girl into a courageous young woman.
Q9. Why did Bholi at first agree to an unequal match? Why did she later reject the marriage? What does this tell us about her?
Answer: She agreed to please her parents but later refused when the groom insulted her. It shows she had learned self-respect and courage.
Explanation: Bholi’s education gave her strength to stand up against injustice and value her dignity over social approval.
Q10. Bholi’s real name is Sulekha. We are told this at the beginning and again near the end of the story. Why do you think she is called Sulekha at that point in the story?
Answer: She is called Sulekha again because she has transformed into a confident, educated, and wise woman.
Explanation: The name “Sulekha,” meaning “beautifully written,” symbolizes her inner beauty, confidence, and self-worth regained through education.
Q11. Bholi’s story may have moved you. Do you think girl children are treated same as boys? Discuss the government scheme “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” and design a poster in your class.
Answer: In many places, girls still face discrimination. The “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” scheme promotes girls’ education and equal rights.
Explanation: The story and the scheme both teach that education empowers girls and helps society progress equally for all.
Q12. Bholi’s teacher helped her overcome social barriers. How can you help change social attitudes like those in the story?
Answer: By supporting education for all, speaking against discrimination, and respecting everyone equally.
Explanation: Change begins with awareness and action — small steps like respect and encouragement can break social bias.
Q13. Should girls be aware of their rights? Should girls and boys have equal rights, duties, and privileges? How does society treat them differently?
Answer: Yes, girls must know their rights. Both genders deserve equality, though society often gives more freedom to boys.
Explanation: Awareness and education are keys to achieving real gender equality and ending unfair traditions.
Q14. Do you think the characters in the story were speaking English? If not, which language were they speaking? Give clues from the story.
Answer: No, they were speaking Hindi. The setting, names, and village culture clearly show an Indian rural background.
Explanation: The story was written in English for readers, but the characters naturally spoke Hindi in their daily lives.