NCERT Class 10 English Foot Prints Without feet Supp. Reader: Chapter 8 — Bholi
This chapter, "Bholi," from NCERT's Class 10 English textbook "Foot Prints Without Feet," introduces Sulekha, nicknamed Bholi due to her perceived simplicity. Neglected at home, Bholi's life takes a turn when her teacher shows special interest in her. The chapter explores the reasons behind her father's worry about her future, her unusual circumstances leading to her school enrollment, and her initial experiences at school. Bholi, born fair and pretty, was disfigured by smallpox and suffered from a speech impediment, leading to mockery. Despite her challenges, her father, pressured by the Tehsildar, sends her to school, hoping the teachers will manage her. The narrative sets the stage to explore Bholi's journey and development through education.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 10 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Foot Prints Without feet Supp. Reader |
| Chapter | Chapter 8 — Bholi |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 383 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the societal neglect faced by children like Bholi.
- Analyze the role of education in transforming an individual's life.
- Identify the challenges faced by children with disabilities and speech impediments.
- Appreciate the importance of a supportive teacher and environment.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Simpleton | A foolish or silly person. |
| Neglected | Suffering a lack of proper care and attention. |
| Disfigured | Marred or spoiled the appearance of. |
| Stammered | Spoke with sudden involuntary pauses and a tendency to repeat the sounds of words. |
| Mimicked | Imitated or copied someone's speech, gestures, or behavior. |
| Prosperous | Successful in amount, especially in terms of money; flourishing. |
| Revenue official | An officer responsible for collecting taxes or income for the government. |
| Tehsildar | A revenue official in India, often with judicial powers. |
| Bridegrooms | Men who are about to be married. |
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Practice questions
- Why was Sulekha called Bholi? Answer: Sulekha was called Bholi because she was a simpleton, a backward child who remained so since she had fallen off a cot as an infant.
- What happened to Bholi when she was two years old? Answer: When Bholi was two years old, she had an attack of small-pox which permanently disfigured her body with deep black pockmarks, though her eyes were saved.
- Why was Ramlal worried about Bholi? Answer: Ramlal was worried about Bholi because she had neither good looks nor intelligence, making it difficult for her to get married.
- Why did the Tehsildar ask Ramlal to send his daughters to school? Answer: The Tehsildar asked Ramlal, as a government representative in the village, to set an example by sending his daughters to school.
- Who suggested sending Bholi to school and why? Answer: Ramlal's wife suggested sending Bholi to school, reasoning that since Bholi had little chance of marriage due to her appearance and lack of sense, the teachers could worry about her.
Frequently asked questions
What is the real name of the character known as Bholi?
The real name of the character known as Bholi is Sulekha.
Why was Bholi considered a 'simpleton'?
Bholi was considered a simpleton because she was a backward child, possibly due to a fall in her infancy, and later stammered.
What physical ailment affected Bholi's appearance?
Bholi was permanently disfigured by deep black pockmarks from a small-pox attack when she was two years old.
What was Ramlal's primary concern regarding Bholi?
Ramlal's primary concern was Bholi's marriage prospects due to her lack of good looks and intelligence.
What prompted Ramlal to send Bholi to school?
Ramlal was pressured by the Tehsildar to set an example for the village and send his daughters to school.
How did Bholi react to being taken to school?
Bholi was frightened when her father took her to school.
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NCERT Class 10 English — Foot Prints Without feet Supp. Reader — Chapter 8 — Bholi. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.