Bholi | Class 10 English Notes
By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 4 min read
Bholi – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of Bholi from Class 10 English, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.
Bholi is Sent to School
This section narrates the circumstances under which Bholi is sent to school. When Bholi was seven years old, Mangla, her second sister, was married. That same year, a primary school for girls was opened in their village. The Tehsildar sahib, a government revenue official, came to inaugurate the school and insisted that Ramlal, as the village representative, must set an example by sending his daughters to school. Ramlal's wife was strongly opposed, fearing that education would reduce their daughters' chances of marriage. However, Ramlal, lacking courage to disobey the Tehsildar, agreed. His wife suggested sending Bholi to school since she was unlikely to marry due to her appearance and lack of intelligence. This decision reflects societal attitudes towards girls' education and marriage prospects, especially for those considered less desirable. The section also describes Bholi's fear and confusion about going to school, her father's insistence, and the preparation for her first day, including wearing a clean but old dress and being bathed and groomed for the occasion. At school, Bholi is overwhelmed but fascinated by the colorful pictures on the walls and the presence of many girls her age. The teacher's kindness and encouragement begin to make a positive impression on her, marking the start of a transformative journey.
📊 Diagram: The image (img-1.jpeg) depicts Bholi being taken to school by her father, showing her fear and hesitation, while the school environment is visible in the background.
🧪 Activity: Students are asked to consider whether Bholi enjoys her first day at school and how her teacher differs from people at home.
🔗 Connection: Prepares for the detailed description of Bholi's first day at school and her interaction with the teacher.
Frequently asked questions
1. Bholi had many apprehensions about going to school. What made her feel that she was going to a better place than her home? 2. How did Bholi's teacher play an important role in changing the course of her life? 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? 4. Bholi's real name is Sulekha. We are told this right at the beginning. But 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? 5. Bholi's story must have moved you. Do you think girl children are not treated at par with boys? You are aware that the government has introduced a scheme to save the girl child as the sex ratio is declining. The scheme is called Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Save the Girl Child. Read about the scheme and design a poster in groups of four and display on the school notice board.
1. Bholi felt she was going to a better place than her home because school represented a place of learning, respect, and kindness, unlike her home where she was neglected and considered a burden due to her stammer and appearance.
2. Bholi's teacher played a crucial role by encouraging her, boosting her confidence, and helping her overcome her speech impediment. The teacher's support empowered Bholi to stand up for herself and change her destiny.
3. Bholi initially agreed to an unequal match be
1. 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? 2. Should girls be aware of their rights, and assert them? Should girls and boys have the same rights, duties and privileges? What are some of the ways in which society treats them differently? When we speak of 'human rights', do we differentiate between girls' rights and boys' rights? 3. Do you think the characters in the story were speaking to each other in English? If not, in which language were they speaking? (You can get clues from the names of the persons and the non-English words used in the story.)
1. One can contribute by promoting education for girls, challenging stereotypes, encouraging respect and equality, and standing against discrimination in daily life.
2. Yes, girls should be aware of their rights and assert them. Girls and boys should have equal rights, duties, and privileges. Society often treats them differently by imposing gender roles and limiting opportunities for girls. Human rights are universal and should not differentiate between genders.
3. The characters were likely
Why was Bholi's father worried about her future?
Because she was neither good-looking nor intelligent and might remain unmarried
What was the unusual reason for sending Bholi to school?
Because the Tehsildar insisted and she was unlikely to marry due to her appearance
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